Directions: Review the fallacies described below. Then identify the fallacy in each of the items that
follow. You can refer to the definitions as you complete the exercise. Your instructor may
direct you to work alone or to work collaboratively with another student at the same
computer.



Hasty generalization?the author jumps to a conclusion without providing adequate proof or
evidence.
False cause?the author assumes that because one thing happens after another, the second
event must be caused by the first event.
False analogy?the author makes a comparison that is misleading because it is inappropriate
or inaccurate.

Ad hominem?the author attacks the opponent personally (the person?s character, actions,
etc.) rather than addressing the person?s actual views.

Either-or?in this trap, the author puts everything into one of two mutually exclusive
categories, leaving the impression that there is nothing else and nothing in-between the two
positions.

Bandwagon?the author says that and because everyone is doing something, it must be a
good thing or the right thing.
Your Results:
The correct answer for each question is indicated by a
1
CORRECT
.
"Providing daycare for toddlers is like herding cats."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem
Feedback: Toddlers and cats are very different!
2
CORRECT
"We shouldn't even bother to interview that job applicant. He has a beard."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem
Feedback: The person is attacked based on his appearance. Having a
beard has little to do with being able to do most jobs successfully.
3
INCORRECT
"Pain-Away worked for me, so it's sure to work for you, too."
A)either-or
B)bandwagon
C)hasty generalization
D)false cause
Feedback: Because it works for one person doesn't mean it will work
for everyone.
4
CORRECT
"In the future, everyone will wear Design Plus sunglasses. Why wait until
then?"
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon
Feedback: "everyone will?"
5
CORRECT
Many people who eats meat are overweight. Eating meat causes obesity."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem
Feedback: There are many people who do not eat meat who are
overweight.
6
CORRECT
"We shouldn't approve her loan because she once had a drinking problem."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem
Feedback: Something unfortunate in the person's past is brought up
as way of discrediting her.
7
INCORRECT
"Becoming a member of the Wildlife Foundation is the best way to show you
care about the environment."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem
Feedback: No support or proof is offered.
8
CORRECT
"Don't worry about eating fast food. After all, millions of Americans eat it
every day."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon
Feedback: "millions of Americans"
9
CORRECT
"Relaxing in a Ritz hot tub is like a mini-vacation to a tropical island."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon
Feedback: These are not the same!
10
CORRECT
"Either finish school or look forward to an unsatisfying life and a low-paying
job."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon
Feedback: There are more possibilities than the two presented.