College Composition / Unit 30 CMP 0730 short lesson, about 20 seconds
What a Fallacy Is
Captions available
The idea
Fallacies are mistakes in logic, sneaky uses of flawed reasoning that suggest a writer's points may not be valid.
In practice
Some writers use fallacies on purpose to seem more persuasive; many students slip into them by accident.
Where people slip
An academic audience is likely to recognize a fallacy, and a fallacy costs the writer credibility.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for College Composition