AP Seminar Vocab

AP Seminar 2025 condensed vocabulary list.

alignment

cohesion between the focus of an inquiry, the method of collecting information, the process of analysis of the information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus

argument

a claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence

assumption

a belief regarded as true and often unstated

author

one who creates a work (e.g., article; research study; foundational, literary, or philosophical text; speech, broadcast, or personal account; artistic work or performance) that conveys a perspective and can be examined

bias

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

claim

a statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective

commentary

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

complex issue

Issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood in order to address it

concession

Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view

conclusion

Understanding resulting from analysis of evidence

context

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

conventions

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

counterargument

An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence

credibility

The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy

cross-curricular

Goes beyond the traditional boundary of a single content area or discipline

implication

A possible future effect or result

inquiry

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

issue

Important problem for debate or discussion

lens

Filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined

limitation

a boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid

line of reasoning

arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion

literature

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

perspective

a point of view conveyed through an argument

plagiarism