AP Lang Quiz

Either-or fallacy

When an argument suggests that there are ONLY 2 options or potential outcomes.

Hasty Generalization

Making a rushed conclusion that is often broad in scope without considering all of the factors or variables.

Appeals to ignorance

Saying something must be true (or false) because there isn’t evidence to the contrary.

Bandwagon appeal

the main premise of the argument is that many people believe it or agree with it or do it so it must be true/good/acceptable

Authority Fallacy

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

Ad hominem

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

Slippery Slope

suggests that a minor action will lead to major and sometimes ridiculous consequences

False Causality

This is the assumption that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.

Weak analogy

This fallacy is when an analogy is used to prove or disprove an argument, but the analogy is too dissimilar to be effective

Appeals to pity

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

Straw Man argument

arguing something related to the topic, but avoiding the ACTUAL topic

Non-sequitur fallacy

A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.