Comparing and Contrasting opinions

• What is fundamental to effective communication?

  Recognizing strategies for intended messages
• Why is it important for a writer or speaker to cite sources?

  To allow the audience to access further information
• What questions can evaluate an author’s ethos?

  Familiarity with opinions and accuracy of information
• What does ethos appeal to in communication?

  Credibility and trustworthiness
• What can misuse of ethos lead to in arguments?

  Logical fallacies that undermine legitimacy
• What is the appeal to authority fallacy?

  Assuming credibility based on position alone
• Give an example of the appeal to authority fallacy.

  A celebrity promoting a weight loss product
• What is the appeal to popularity fallacy?

  Assuming something is true because it's popular
• Provide an example of the appeal to popularity fallacy.

  Claiming everyone is doing something, so it's right
• What is the appeal to tradition fallacy?

  Assuming something is valid because it's traditional
• What is the false authority fallacy?

  Presenting someone as an expert without qualifications
• Give an example of the appeal to tradition fallacy.

  Arguing against same-sex marriage based on tradition
• Provide an example of the false authority fallacy.

  An actor lecturing on climate change without expertise
• What is the bandwagon fallacy?

  Assuming something is true because many support it
• Give an example of the bandwagon fallacy.

  Encouraging investment in a trending stock
• What are the hypothetical scenarios that compromise ethos?

  1. The Whistleblower: Scientist discovers falsified data.
  2. The Politician: Evidence of opponent's unethical behavior.
  3. The Journalist: Exclusive scoop with anonymous source.
  4. The Influencer: Sponsorship deal for untested product.
  5. The Academic: Pressure to give favorable review for funding.
• What are the key components of a strong argument?

  Logic, evidence, and sound reasoning
• What is pathos in communication?

  Appeal to emotion to engage the audience
• What is the appeal to pity fallacy?

  Exploiting sympathy to gain an advantage
• Provide an example of the appeal to pity fallacy.

  A student exaggerating hardships for an extension
• What is the appeal to fear fallacy?

  Using scare tactics to pressure acceptance
• Give an example of the appeal to fear fallacy.

  A politician exaggerating threats from opponents
• What is the appeal to vanity fallacy?

  Flattering someone to gain their approval
• Provide an example of the appeal to vanity fallacy.

  Complimenting someone to sell a product
• What is the false dilemma fallacy?


  Presenting only two options as the only choices
• Give an example of the false dilemma fallacy.

  Claiming only two choices exist for security
• Why is recognizing fallacies important?

  To evaluate arguments critically and avoid manipulation
• What should a strong argument rely on?

  Logic, evidence, and sound reasoning