Loaded Question: Was Duchess Framed?

Ever been asked a question that makes you look bad no matter what? That’s a "loaded question"- a sneaky trick to make you seem guilty.

This is what happens to Duchess. A reporter shows a picture of Chloe looking scared by a trash can. Duchess can be seen in the background of the photo, which makes her look really big. The reporter asks, “So, what made you hurt that poor kitten?”

Whoa! That question jolts Duchess. She quickly realises it doesn't matter how she answers - the question makes her look guilty.

But clever Duchess remembers what really happened. She wasn't attacking Chloe, she was rescuing her! Duchess had managed to scare away the dogs, just in the nick of time, saving Chloe's life. A camera even saw it!

Back in the interview, the reporter keeps asking tricky questions. Duchess realises the reporter is trying to trap her and she responds, “I don’t even know how to answer that.” Good response.

Loaded questions (as this reporter was using) have hidden assumptions. Assumptions that make you look guilty right from the outset. It's like someone asking you, "Have you stopped stealing candy?" If you answer yes, you admit you stole before! Duchess quickly realised that this is what the reporter was doing and she wasn't going to fall for that.

If someone asks you a loaded question, point out the hidden part. Say, "Wait, I didn't hurt anyone!" Don't fall into their trap!

Want to learn more about the Loaded Question fallacy? Check out our activity pack for fun activities that help you spot this common logical fallacy.