AP Seminar Vocab Review

Bias

personal opinion, belief or value that may influence one’s judgment, claim, or perspective

Bias Example

Mrs. Perkovic says the best school in Broward county is Cooper City High School.

Conclusion

understanding resulting from analysis of evidence

Conclusion Example

Based upon [research], [claim] is true.

Credibility

the degree to which a source is trustworthy

Credibility Examples

An award-winning academic journal.

Counterargument

opposing perspective, idea, or theory
supported by evidence

Counterargument Example

Cypress Bay is the best school in the county and not Cooper City High, because of [research].

Perspective

POV conveyed through an argument

Perspective Example

Teachers advocate for a schoolwide phone ban due to the distractions they pose during learning time.

Claim

a statement made about an issue which solidifies a perspective

Claim Example

A phone ban has a positive effect on students.

Context

the intent, audience, purpose, bias, and/or background (larger environment) of a source or reference.

Context Example

Prior NFL quarterback kneeling during the national anthem. Further information reveals this was a civil rights protest.

Commentary

discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim. Helps
explain patterns, trends, and/or relationships

Argument

a claim or thesis conveying a perspective and supported by evidence.

Argument Example

A phone ban has a positive effect on students by allowing them to focus more.

Commentary Example

Many educators have reported students paying less attention in class because of their phones. By implementing a phone ban, students will be forced to be active and class, also encouraging better grades.

Assumption

a belief regarded as true

Assumption Example

Social media can shorten your life.

Cross-curricular

Explores multiple areas of content

Cross-curricular Examples

History including reading and writing.

Interdisciplinary Examples

Exploring the connection between sociology and economics.

Interdisciplinary

Involving two or more areas of knowledge

Implication

A possible future effect or result

Inquiry

The process of seeking truth or information

Inquiry Examples

A study, investigation, or artistic endeavor/work

Issue

Important problem for debate or discussion

Lens

Filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined