Email Example (includes key) [Google Doc]
Common Logical Fallacies Worksheet Table [Google Doc]

• Share the student “email” example with students, and ask them to identify any errors in reasoning. They might not have the vocabulary yet to name the fallacies, but hopefully, they’ll spot the bad reasons!
• Have students watch the Common Logical Fallacies video and complete the worksheet.

• Ask them to identify the fallacies in the student example “email” by name.

Expand: Ask students about arguments they encounter in everyday life (news, online, advertising, etc.). Are they convincing? How can we tell if an argument is logical? Why is critical thinking important in evaluating everyday arguments?

Activity: Please Don’t Fail Me! [Google Doc]

• Provide students with the following instructions:
• Imagine that it’s the end of the semester and you’re failing this course because you didn’t do the vast majority of the work.
• Write the teacher an email arguing for why you should pass the course, using at least four of the specified fallacies.
• Either independently or in small groups, allow students time to craft their emails. Encourage creativity and humor.
• Online Option: If using an LMS, have students post their emails on a discussion board, along with a comment on their submission specifying which of the fallacies they used and where/how.

• Divide students into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with emails from another group.
• Have students analyze the assigned emails, identifying and explaining the fallacies used. Encourage discussion and debate.
• Optional: Have volunteers share their emails aloud. Others can identify and explain the fallacies used.
• Online option: After students have posted their emails, they should respond to at least two emails by identifying the fallacies their classmates used and why they’re fallacious.

• Highlight some of the most commonly used fallacies in the students’ emails, and address common mistakes or misconceptions. (Learning fallacies is challenging!)
• Ask students: Why is it important to be able to recognize fallacies? What are the consequences of not?
• Emphasize the transferability of critical thinking skills across different topics and situations.
• Reinforce the importance of logical reasoning in evaluating arguments and making informed decisions.
• Remind students to use their newfound understanding of fallacies responsibly and ethically.

• Analyze recent news articles, social media posts, commercials, etc., identifying and explaining fallacies used by different parties.
• Additional Useful Resource:
  Guide to the Most Common Logical Fallacies from ThinkingIsPower.com
  YourLogicalFallacyis.com

• For lower grades, provide fewer fallacies with simplified definitions and more scaffolding. 
• For higher grades, introduce more complex fallacies and explore the nuances of persuasive language.