Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions; also see the revision notes.
Understanding
- ☐ I can define specious and illogical reasoning with an example of each. (Guide: “Specious and illogical: two kinds of failure”)
- ☐ I can describe at least eight common flaws and say what is wrong with each. (Guide: “Reasoning flaws: what goes wrong”; practice questions 1 to 4)
- ☐ I can explain why naming a fallacy is not enough. (Guide: “When the path breaks”)
Skills
- ☐ I can use nine questions to test an argument for flaws. (Guide: “Questions that expose flaws”)
- ☐ I can diagnose three flaws in a paragraph and explain each. (Guide: Worked example 1; practice question 6)
- ☐ I can repair a flawed argument. (Guide: Worked example 2; practice question 7)
- ☐ I can choose the right repair for each flaw. (Guide: “Fixing a flaw in your own writing”)
Reasoning
- ☐ I can explain why a satirist might use flawed reasoning on purpose. (Guide: Swift example; practice questions 5 and 8)
- ☐ I can distinguish an emotional appeal from an emotional fallacy. (Guide: “Common misconceptions”)
- ☐ I can explain why a true conclusion can rest on bad reasoning. (Guide: “Common misconceptions”)