AP Seminar Glossary

fallacy

Evidence or reasoning that is false or in error

interdisciplinary

Involving two or more areas of knowledge

refutation

Disproving an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims or counterevidence

scaffolding

Temporary structured support for students to aid skill development

vocal variety

Changing vocal characteristics (e.g., pitch, volume, speed) in order to emphasize ideas, convey emotion or opinion, or achieve other specific purpose

alignment

Cohesion, method of collecting information, the process of analysis of the information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus

claim

A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective

conventions

The stylistic features of writing (e.g., grammar, usage, mechanics)

generative artificial intelligence

tools that use predictive technology to produce new text, charts, images, audio, video, etc.

inquiry

A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through a study, research investigation, or artistic endeavor/work

line of reasoning

Arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion

commentary

Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends, and/or explain relationships

concession

Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view

context

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

deductive

A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions that are supported with evidence or cases

evidence

Information used as proof to support a claim or thesis

qualification

A condition or exception

qualitative

Having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions

quantitative

Having to do with numbers, amounts, or quantities

rebuttal

Contradicting an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence

sequencing

The organization of curriculum content into an order which progresses from simple to more complex

text

something composed that conveys a perspective and can be examined

tone

The way in which an author expresses an attitude about his or her topic or subject through rhetorical choices

secondary source

A commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight, opinions, and/or interpretation about the primary source data, study, or artifacts

literature

The foundational and current texts of a field or discipline of study