Looking to build your students’ critical thinking skills while teaching them how to identify flawed arguments?

This ready-to-use resource introduces students to circular reasoning, a common logical fallacy, through a structured and engaging lesson that includes pre-viewing, guided video response, and post-lesson application activities.

✅ What’s Included:

• Pre-Viewing Prompts to activate prior knowledge

• Guided Video Questions (video linked in Google Doc, or you can preview it here - it's only 2 minutes and is merely a companion piece to the rest of the assignment). Video covers:
• What is a logical fallacy?
• What is circular reasoning (a.k.a. “begging the question”)?
• Real-world examples and common uses

• Post-Viewing Discussion Prompts to solidify understanding and practice verbal explanation

• Extended Learning Activity:
• Identify whether sample arguments contain circular reasoning
• Analyze the impact of circular logic in real-world communication
• Create and revise original examples of circular reasoning
• Bonus: Find real-life examples from media, conversations, or social content

• Answer Key with detailed explanations

• Grading Rubric (20-point scale + optional bonus) for easy assessment

Skills Developed:

• Logical reasoning and fallacy identification
• Critical thinking and argument evaluation
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Real-world application of abstract concepts

Perfect For:

• High school ELA, Speech & Debate, Psychology, or Critical Thinking classes
• Sub plans or self-guided learning
• Socratic seminars or classroom discussions
• Fallacy or rhetoric units

✨ Why You’ll Love It:

This resource simplifies a complex topic with scaffolded questions and relatable examples. Whether you're teaching argument structure, preparing for persuasive writing, or helping students spot weak logic in media, this lesson promotes analytical thinking that sticks.

No prep required – Just print or upload and go!

Formats: PDF and digital-ready
Grades: 9–12
⏰ Estimated Time: 1–2 class periods (flexible for deeper discussion or writing extension)

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