Project guide

Your job is not only to name a fallacy. Your job is to show exactly how the reasoning works, explain what fails, and build a fairer version.

Want a warm-up first? Try the practice scenarios — nothing is scored or saved.

The six-stage workflow

Stage 1: Choose
- Read the short definitions for several topics.
- Choose one that interests you and that you can explain clearly.
- Check the comparison guides if two topics seem alike.
Stage 2: Find
- Safe sources: teacher-provided texts, advertisements, product packaging or slogans, fiction, and approved public speeches or interviews.
- You may also invent an example modeled on a real pattern.
- Avoid private messages, arguments with classmates, comment-section fights, personal accusations, and long copyrighted passages.
Stage 3: Map
- Record the exact quotation and its source.
- Identify the claim or conclusion, the reasons, the evidence, and any hidden assumption.
- Note the context before and after the quotation.
Stage 4: Prove
- Do not write only "This is bandwagon."
- Name the exact sentence where the reasoning fails and say why.
- Explain what the evidence does and does not support.
Stage 5: Repair
- Preserve the speaker’s reasonable goal.
- Replace the flawed support with stronger reasoning.
- Change the original claim as little as necessary.
Stage 6: Cite and present
- Record the creator or organization, title, where it appeared, and a date if available.
- Include a direct URL for online material and a page, timestamp, or image number when useful.
- Choose a format that fits your assignment’s requirements.

Copy these prompts into your notes, or use the printable project planner.

☐ I quoted the source accurately.
☐ I included enough context.
☐ I identified the conclusion.
☐ I identified the reason or evidence.
☐ I explained the flaw instead of only naming it.
☐ I considered a non-fallacious interpretation.
☐ I explained why the argument may feel convincing.
☐ I repaired the reasoning.
☐ I remembered that a weak argument does not automatically make the conclusion false.
☐ I cited the original source.
☐ My example is appropriate for school.

The site does not require any format. Pick one that fits your assignment.