University of Phoenix Material
 
Rhetorical Strategies and Fallacies Worksheet
 
The following are some common rhetorical strategies:
 
Innuendo: a leading suggestion
Stereotype: generalized statements relating to a group of people
Loaded questions: questions based on unjustified assumptions
Hyperbole:an extreme exaggeration
 
Identify the rhetorical strategy in each of the following statements.
 
1.
    
I did not say the meat was tough. I said I did not see the horse that is usually outside (W. C. Fields).  _________________
 
2.
    
Have you stopped beating your wife? _____________
 
3.
    
The Maserati is the best car in the world! _________________
 
4.
    
All men love football; all women love the ballet. ______________                      
 
The following are some common rhetorical fallacies:
 
Slippery slope: If A happens, then B–Z will follow. Therefore, to prevent B–Z from happening, do not allow A to occur.
Hasty generalization: rushing to form a conclusion based on assumptions; not based on clear evidence
Post hoc ergo propter hoc: If A occurs after B, then B caused A.
Either/or: looking at a situation from only two sides, or oversimplifying the situation
Ad hominem: attacking the person rather than attacking the argument
Red herring or smoke screen: introducing an unrelated topic as a diversionary tactic
 
Identify the rhetorical fallacy in each of the following statements.
 
1.
    
We can either stop using plastic, or destroy the Earth  ______________
 
2.
    
I ate tuna for lunch and now I do not feel well, so the tuna made me ill. ___________
 
3.
    
If you enjoy a social drink, it could lead to you becoming an alcoholic, so you probably should never drink. __________
 
4.
    
Even though this is the first week of class, I can tell this is going to be a very easy course. ______________
 
5.
    
We know that smoking can affect your health, but how else will tobacco farmers earn a living? ______________
 
6.
    
As the candidate for mayor, he has some good ideas, but we know that all politicians are dishonest.___________
 
 
 
Individual Assignment
:
Rhetorical Strategies and Fallacies Worksheet
 
Purpose of Assignment
 
The worksheet evaluates the student’s knowledge of rhetorical strategies and fallacies. Common rhetorical strategies and fallacies are presented. The responses should be provided in the worksheet.
 
Resources Required
 
University of Phoenix Material: Rhetorical Strategies and Fallacies Worksheet
 
Grading Guide
 
Content
 
Met
 
Partially Met
Not Met
 
Comments:
In the statements, the student identified the correct rhetorical strategy.
 
 
 
 
In the statements, the student identified the correct rhetorical fallacy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Available
Total Earned
 
 
 
2.5
#/2.5
 
Writing Guidelines
 
Met
 
Partially Met
Not Met
 
Comments:
Rules of grammar and usage are followed, including spelling and punctuation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Available
Total Earned
 
 
 
.5
#/.5
 
Assignment Total
#
3
#/3
 
Additional comments: