In the false analogy, a writer incorrectly shows that two entities having common features have other common features which they do not. Example:
Since Citigroup and Exxon Mobil are both Fortune 50 corporations, the United States Environmental Protection Agency should dedicate the same amount of resources to monitoring each company’s environmental compliance.
Indeed, both companies are huge and must share a significant commitment to protecting the environment; however, the nature of Exxon Mobil’s business should require greater oversight.
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Notes on effective writing at work, school, and home by Philip Vassallo, Ed.D.
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