74 Unit 05 | Live and learn Read the text on common disinformation strategies. Choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for each gap (1–10). Put a cross ( ) in the correct box. The first one (0) has been done for you. LANGUAGE IN USE 7 Don’t be fooled by these logical fallacies! If you want to be able to spot disinformation, you need to sharpen your critical thinking skills. Avoid accepting everything that you read or hear as (0) – it might be an opinion, or simply propaganda. People who spread disinformation often (1) flawed logic in their arguments, socalled ‘logical fallacies’. Logical fallacies can be (2) wrong by asking whether the conclusion really follows from the evidence. Take this statement, for example: “If we let students use calculators, they’ll stop learning math!” This is a ‘slippery slope’ argument because it assumes that a small change – introducing calculators in class – will inevitably lead to disaster. To refute the claim, you could (3) whether this extreme outcome is truly likely and ask for evidence to support it. Another logical fallacy you might (4) is the ‘bandwagon’ argument – the idea that something must be right simply because many people do it. For example, “Everyone uses AI to write essays, so teachers should just live with it.” This (5) the use of AI just because it’s popular, without considering the downsides, such as the risk of AI generating incorrect or misleading content. However, you should bear in mind that what’s popular isn’t necessarily what’s right or ethical. The ‘strawman’ argument is another (6) used tactic. It involves oversimplifying or misrepresenting an opponent’s position to make it easier to criticise or attack. Suppose you argue that school should start later to help students concentrate better, and somebody responds by accusing you of wanting to sleep all day rather than learning. This (7) distorts your original argument into an extreme and unreasonable position. In such cases, clarify that your argument is based on facts and scientific research showing that later school start times better match students’ natural sleep cycles and therefore (8) learning. These are just a few of the logical fallacies you will encounter, especially online, where false claims can go (9) in an instant. The next time you come across a bold statement online, pause before you (10) . Ask yourself: Does this really make sense? Misleading content can spread quickly on social media because it triggers emotions and shuts down critical thinking. Don’t fall into this trap. 0 A true B truthful C truly D real 1 A view B apply C make use D realise 2 A called B agreed C proven D done 3 A assume B answer C quote D question 4 A try for B care for C fall for D wait for 5 A brings up B aims for C justifies D refers to 6 A widely B hardly C rarely D generally 7 A repeat B reply C request D responding 8 A attempt B optimise C idealise D better 9 A about B on C viral D ahead 10 A distribute B share C delete D consider Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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