Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
Ms. Novak has suggested that our schools let students take statistics instead of algebra to graduate. Frankly, it is puzzling to me that she thinks algebra is a useless subject.

 - circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
 - straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
 - slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences
The text argues that Ms. Novak thinks algebra is useless because she would let students take statistics instead. However, Ms. Novak only claimed that students should be allowed to take statistics instead of algebra. She did not suggest that algebra is a useless subject. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a straw man.