Recommended Practice: Language and Relevance Handout #1

Indicate any fallacy committed by each italicized and red passage: 

1) I don’t need to study; since I’m smarter.  

2) You never study.  Therefore, I don’t see why I should. 

3) I usually study before a test; and it's time for a change.  So, I don’t think I need to study before this test.  

4) I could be ready to take the test. I think it follows that I don’t need to study for it. 

5) I shouldn’t have to take any tests.  After all, tests are outdated; and it’s time to try something new. 

6) I think we’re going to have a mid-term next week.  For the teacher said we’ll have a mid-term this semester. 

7)  I know Roberto said we don’t have a test next week; but he’s wrong.  Think about it.  He’s just saying that so you go to the movies with him. 

8) I know Roberto is going to say we shouldn’t have any tests; but he’s wrong.  For tests are a reliable way of assessing someone’s ability to perform skills.

9) I know Roberto is going to say we shouldn’t have any test; but of course he’s wrong, since he’s not even a student this semester.

10) The class schedule says there’s a test next week; so I’m pretty sure there is.

11) I’m confident you did well on our first test; since you’ve done well on the homework assignments.

12) I’m confident you did well on our first test; because everyone thinks you did.

13) You’ve never done well on a test; so you’ll do well on our first test; since your time has come.

14) You always study by yourself the night before a test.  I think it follows that you should the night before this test, too.

15) I don’t think I failed our first test; for I only struggled.  

16) Student #1: I don’t think I need to go to the teacher’s office; for I’ve been getting A’s on the homework assignments. 

    Student #2: I just think you’re wrong; for you obviously think there’s no point to going to a teacher’s office. 

Student #1: That’s not what I said.

17) Student #1: I don’t need to go to the teacher’s office hour; so I shouldn’t go.

    Student #2: I don’t know why you think the teacher doesn’t want you to go to his office; but it’s not true; so you should go to the teacher’s office.

18) Student #1: You should go to the teacher’s office hour.

Student #2: Why?

Student #1: It’ll be a once in a lifetime experience.

19) Student #1: You should go to the teacher’s office hour.

    Student #2: I don’t think so.

Student #1: I do; for you may learn something about the test.

20) Student #1: I don’t think I could go to the teacher’s office; I’m too embarrassed to ask questions.

  Student #2: Everyone thinks it’s a good idea; so I say you should go.

21) Parent: Did you fail the test?

       Son: No; it just was a somewhat inferior performance.

22) Parent: Did you pass the test?

       Son: Yeah; since the teacher said she thought I did.

23) Parent: Did you get an A on the first test?

       Son: I think I did; for the teacher said I did far better.

24) Parent: Do you know how you did on the test?

       Son: I think I got a C.  After all, everyone is telling me I did.

25) Parent: Do you know how you did on the test?

       Son: I think I got an A.

       Parent: Really?

       Son: Yeah, ‘cause I’ve never got an A before.

26) Child: You should just let me clean my room tomorrow.  For it’s not like I’m never going to clean it.

     Parent: Or you can clean it now. 

27) Parent: Please start cleaning your room within the next 30 minutes.

Child: I think I should be able to wait until tomorrow.  You obviously think I should stop what I’m doing and start cleaning now.

28) Parent: I know you’re going to say your room doesn’t need cleaning; but you’re wrong.  For you’re just a child and don’t know better.

    Child: Dad, is that a fallacy?

29)  Child: My room doesn’t need cleaning.

Parent: Yes it does, ‘cause you’re just saying that because you want to go outside and play.

30)  Child: I think the dog should have to clean my room.

      Parent: The dog?  Honey, we don’t have the dog clean our room.  

       Child: I don’t see what’s wrong with it.  After all, it’s not like I’m expecting our lizard to clean the room.

31) Candidate: You should vote no on any and all statewide cannabis propositions that would legalize marijuana; for they’re all backed by drug cartels.

32) Candidate: California should legalize cannabis; for it’s time for a change. Everyone knows that.

33) Candidate: I promise to bring California a brighter tomorrow.  That’s why you should vote for me.

34) Candidate: My opponent has never met a tax without falling love.  That’s why you should vote for me.

35) Candidate: Together we’re free!  Vote Glenn in ’10.

36) Candidate: My opponent is going to say the country can afford to provide tuition-free college; but she’s wrong, for she’s just another bleeding heart progressive.

37) Candidate: My opponent thinks we should deregulate Wall Street; and she’s wrong.  Think about it, she’s just repeating what she's heard from her crooked Wall Street friends.

38) Candidate: Americans have always supported capital punishment; so we should continue.

39) Candidate: Capital Punishment is an outdated punishment.  Therefore, it’s time to outlaw it.

40) Candidate: Our campaign didn't make false promises, because all we did was sell you hope.