AP language and composition fallacies

either-or fallacy

Suggesting that there are only 2 option/outcomes. Leads the audience to believe one of the options/outcomes is the obvious “correct” choice

Hasty generalization

Rushed conclusion without considering all factors/variables. Ex. Stereotypes

Appeals to ignorance

Saying something is true/false because there isn’t evidence to the contrary

Bandwagon appeal

Argues that since many people believe the argument/agree it must be true/good/acceptable

Authority fallacy

Entire argument is that “a famous person believes it so it must be true” or endorser doesn’t have anything to do with the topic of the argument

Ad hominem

Attacking person’s character/credentials instead of addressing the real argument they’re making

Slippery slope

Taking a minor action will lead to major/ridiculous consequences

False Causality

Assumption that a event followed by another, the first caused the second

Weak analogy

analogy is used to prove/disprove an argument, but the analogy is dissimilar to be effective-unlike an argument than like an argument

Appeals to pity/overly emotional appeals

appeal to pathos (pity, fear, pride, vanity) is the base of the argument

Straw man argument

Misrepresenting/distorting an opponent’s stance and make arguing against them easier

Non-sequitur fallacy

conclusion/statement that doesn’t logically follow from previous argument/statement.

Red herring fallacy

Misleading argument/question is presented to distract from main issue/argument at hand