1. Some arguments are ____________; they don’t stand up under scrutiny.
Strong arguments have a lot of ____________ to support them.
Weak arguments often lack ____________ . They sometimes resort to ____________ to prove a point.
faulty
factual evidence
evidence
deceptive tactics

2. Watch out for ____________ , poor ____________, faulty ____________ , biases and false ____________ . These are signs of a faulty or weak argument.
generalizations
research
reasoning
statements

3. When persuasive techniques appeal too much to ____________ rather than ____________ they can sometimes form, ____________ a one-sided message intended to ____________ others to agree with an idea or take a particular action using ____________ and ____________ .
emotions
logic
propaganda
coerce
deceit
personal pressure

4. Fill in the persuasive techniques chart.
For the example, write the one given or make up your own.
Pass the paper to the next row.
Answer multiple choice questions 1-3.

5. Ad hominem
Latin phrase that means attacking an opponent on a personal level, rather than arguing with his or her viewpoint
Do you really want Randall Smith as mayor? He didn’t even serve in the armed forces!

6. citing prominent figures to support a position
Appeal to authority
citing prominent figures to support a position
The Surgeon General warns against nicotine use.

7. instilling anxiety or panic
Appeal to fear
instilling anxiety or panic
You don’t want to be caught sweating! Use Super-Duper-Dry antipersperant.

8. Bandwagon
persuading the audience to join in and take the view or action that “everyone else is taking”
Everyone on your block is getting a TeleTV dish…don’t miss out!

9. Black-and-white fallacy
presenting only two choices, with the author’s idea or product being the better choice
Drive a hybrid car. Otherwise, YOU are part of the air-pollution problem.

10. simplifying a decision by telling people exactly what to do
Direct order
simplifying a decision by telling people exactly what to do
Buy a new living-room suite today!

11. Glittering generalities
appealing with emotional words that offer no provable benefits
Ford has a better idea!
GE brings good things to life!

12. Intentional vagueness
making vague statements so that readers fill in their own interpretations
This new lotion has properties more advanced than any other on the market.

13. words with strong connotations that try to provoke reader emotions
Loaded words
words with strong connotations that try to provoke reader emotions
Get AmberGlow self-tanning lotion, and cover your pale, dull skin!

14. Misuse of statistics
claims that may not tell the whole truth about what statistics are used or where they come from
Four out of five dentists recommend Pinnacle Toothpaste.”
(Who are they? Might they be consultants for the company?)

15. providing simple answers to complex issues
Oversimplification
providing simple answers to complex issues
Start recycling today, and save the world for tomorrow.

16. using generalities to rationalize questionable acts or beliefs
Rationalization
using generalities to rationalize questionable acts or beliefs
I always shop for bargains, so spending this much on a purse is OK this time.

17. using a jingle or word over and over to get it stuck in someone’s head
Repetition
using a jingle or word over and over to get it stuck in someone’s head
Benson’s: the better Barbecue. Buy Benson’s. When it’s Benson’s it’s better!

18. blaming an individual or group to shift guilt from responsible parties
Scapegoating
blaming an individual or group to shift guilt from responsible parties
The administration is obsessed with oil interests. The government is responsible, not the oil companies.

19. Slogans
using catchy phrases to associate a product or idea with something positive
Nike: “Just Do It”

20. Stereotyping / name-calling
provoking prejudices to play on the fears and hatreds of the audience
Members of Middle Eastern cultures have attacked the United States, so we must beware of all people from these nations.

21. Testimonial
using an expert, celebrity, or respected public figure to endorse a product or point of view
Pop star Lisa Mon uses Longlash Mascara. You too can have long, lush lashes like Lisa!

22. Transfer / association
projecting positive or negative qualities (praise or blame) of a person or idea to another to make something more acceptable or to discredit it
Our candidate is an active member of his church. He will make an excellent senator!