Ad Hominen Readers Theater Script for Grades 8–12 Logical Fallacy Series

This Ad Hominen Readers’ Theater script for grades 8–12 is part of a Logical Fallacy series meant to create mastery of each of the 15 fallacies in the series. In this script students take part in a podcast battle over dress code reforms, where hosts Mia, Jayden, and Riley sling insults like “wannabe influencer” instead of debating ideas. Through witty dialogue and dramatic reenactments, like Socrates’ trial in 399 BC, students uncover the ad hominem fallacy—attacking the person, not their argument—and explore themes of fairness, respect, and critical thinking.

Perfect for

• English Class focused Argumentative Writing
• Reading fluency and comprehension
• Literary analysis (fallacies, themes, dialogue)
• Collaborative performance and critical discussion

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

What’s Included

The Script (Google Doc, editable, ~8 pages)

• ~1900 Words, 10 Scenes
• Casting breakdown with short description of character and number of lines read
• Student intro to fallacy

Teacher Guide (Google Doc, editable, ~12 pages)

• Lesson Planning Tips
• Main Ideas & Themes Discussion Prompts
• Answer Keys for Vocabulary, Short‑Answer, Analysis & Application Questions
• Standards Alignment (CCRA)
• Casting Breakdown with Lexical Levels

Student Worksheet (Google Slides, editable, ~25 slides)

• Vocabulary: 10 terms (e.g., “jab,” “smear”) with script quotes.
• Short-Answer Questions (10): like “What does Mia say about dress codes?”
• Analysis Questions (5): Analysis like “How does ad hominem escalate conflict?”
• Application Questions (5): Scenarios like “How can you counter a personal attack?”
• Exit Quiz (Google Forms Self-Graded)

Script Summary

• Scene 1: Hosts prep a dress code debate, but jabs hint at ad hominem.
• Scene 2: Insults like “wannabe influencer” derail the podcast.
• Scene 3: Sam’s club idea is mocked with personal attacks.
• Scene 4: A 2010s TV debate shows candidates dodging policy with smears.
• Scene 5: Socrates’ trial shows ad hominem silencing philosophy.
• Scene 6: Ms. Carter refocuses the team on fair arguments.
• Scene 7: X posts fuel ad hominem until redirected to facts.
• Scene 8: The team discusses ad hominem in their lives.
• Scene 9: The team re-records, debating without attacks.
• Scene 10: The episode earns praise for its focus on logic.

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