Recognizing Bias Persuasive Techniques Quiz: Detect Propaganda

1. A speaker says, "Only an irresponsible person would disagree with this plan." What technique is being used?

Logical reasoning

Name-calling

Appeal to fear

Emotional reasoning

The speaker discredits opponents instead of addressing evidence.

Explanation

The speaker discredits opponents instead of addressing evidence.

2. True or False: Emotional appeals always make an argument stronger.

True

False

Emotion can attract attention but may distract from weak logic.

Explanation

Emotion can attract attention but may distract from weak logic.

3. You hear, “This policy must be right—everyone supports it.” What fallacy is shown?

Bandwagon

False cause

Red herring

Slippery slope

“Everyone supports it” pressures agreement through popularity.

Explanation

“Everyone supports it” pressures agreement through popularity.

4. A commercial says, “Doctors recommend our product.” What should a critical listener ask?

“Which doctors?”

“What color is the logo?”

“Where is the store?”

“How long is the ad?”

You must verify credibility of the “experts.”

Explanation

You must verify credibility of the “experts.”

5. A speaker says, “If we allow one late assignment, soon no one will meet deadlines!” Which fallacy appears?

Slippery slope

Circular reasoning

Either/or

Appeal to authority

It exaggerates consequences without evidence.

Explanation

It exaggerates consequences without evidence.

6. True or False: Biased sources always lie.

True

False

Bias colors presentation but may still include facts.

Explanation

Bias colors presentation but may still include facts.

7. Which question helps evaluate bias?

“Does the speaker present more than one viewpoint?”

“How loudly do they talk?”

“How long is the message?”

“Who else is listening?”

Considering multiple perspectives reveals fairness or bias.

Explanation

Considering multiple perspectives reveals fairness or bias.

8. Directions – Match each cue (a–b) with the likely purpose (1–2).

Speaker uses fearful images

Speaker lists research findings

Fear aims to stir emotion; data builds logic.

Explanation

Fear aims to stir emotion; data builds logic.

Submit

9. True or False: Circular reasoning means using the claim itself as proof.

True

False

It repeats rather than supports the argument.

Explanation

It repeats rather than supports the argument.

10. You hear, “If you buy this phone, you’ll instantly be happier.” What’s missing?

Evidence linking purchase to happiness

Emotional words

Brand name

Comparison chart

The claim offers no factual support.

Explanation

The claim offers no factual support.

11. True or False: Critical evaluation combines logic, fairness, and open-mindedness.

True

False

Objective listeners judge ideas, not personalities.

Explanation

Objective listeners judge ideas, not personalities.

12. Directions – Match each term (a–b) with the correct meaning (1–2).

Fact

Opinion

Distinguishing fact from opinion helps judge reliability.

Explanation

Distinguishing fact from opinion helps judge reliability.

Submit

13. A speaker says, “You should trust me because I’m an honor student.” What reasoning flaw appears?

Appeal to authority

Logical reasoning

Balanced argument

Data-based claim

Personal status doesn’t guarantee truth.

Explanation

Personal status doesn’t guarantee truth.

Submit

15. In “The study was published by a well-known university,” the word ______ suggests credibility.

Institutional sources may increase trust, but must still be verified.

Explanation

Institutional sources may increase trust, but must still be verified.

Submit

Spot Manipulation: Recognizing Bias and Persuasive Techniques Quiz

1. A speaker says, "Only an irresponsible person would disagree with this plan." What technique is being used?

2. True or False: Emotional appeals always make an argument stronger.

3. You hear, “This policy must be right—everyone supports it.” What fallacy is shown?

4. A commercial says, “Doctors recommend our product.” What should a critical listener ask?

5. A speaker says, “If we allow one late assignment, soon no one will meet deadlines!” Which fallacy appears?

6. True or False: Biased sources always lie.

7. Which question helps evaluate bias?

8. Directions – Match each cue (a–b) with the likely purpose (1–2).

9. True or False: Circular reasoning means using the claim itself as proof.

10. You hear, “If you buy this phone, you’ll instantly be happier.” What’s missing?

11. True or False: Critical evaluation combines logic, fairness, and open-mindedness.

12. Directions – Match each term (a–b) with the correct meaning (1–2).

13. A speaker says, “You should trust me because I’m an honor student.” What reasoning flaw appears?

14. Fill in the blank: “Critical listeners look for sound ______ that supports each claim.”

15. In “The study was published by a well-known university,” the word ______ suggests credibility.