This page updated:  2/11/2021

Emotional Words & Weak  Arguments

Introduction: 

We have learned that opinions can be based on feelings, thoughts or beliefs, and they don't need to be debated.  But a claim (or counterclaim) is an opinion stated, based on some fact, that wants debate!  

Claims must be supported by evidence to persuade an audience. There are different types of evidence, and strong evidence leads to strong claims.

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Emotional Words

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Print out the first printable before you go on. 

Let's now look at how emotional words and weak arguments (called logical fallacies) can derail a claim.  Emotional words and weak arguments are two ways people try to win arguments without actually "doing real work!"  Pause me and learn more about emotional words. 

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Logical Arguments Persuade A Reader

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 What do we mean by "argument?"  An argument or debate is not the same as getting angry and yelling at someone.   

An argument (or debate) is a set of statements that include a claim and strong evidence.  In addition, effective arguments are logical, and convince or persuade successfully.  

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Weak arguments & Logical Fallacies

Weak arguments often use logical fallacies to get their point across.   These are emotional statements that appeal to pity, our sense of fairness, or our sense of wanting to belong to a group.  TV commercials and political speeches often have excellent examples of logical fallacies in them.

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It might take some time and thought, but if you know the signs, you can see through these misleading statements and get to the truth of the matter.   

Watch the videos below to see logical fallacies at work!

Directions:

1. Make a copy of the 2nd printable documents.  This contains a summary of what is in the 2nd video.

2. Use the printables to help you complete the next assignment called Practice:  Agree With Me...Or Don't!

3. Be sure you review the the definitions of each term in the printable.  Make sure the definitions make sense to you.

4. Be ready to discuss this in class.