AP Seminar Glossary

alignment

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

argument

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

assumption

a belief regarded as true and often **unstated**

author

the 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 judgement**, 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

**acknowledgement** and **acceptance** of an **opposing or different view**

conclusion

**understanding the resulting** from the 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 singular content area or discipline

deductive

a type of reasoning that constructs general propositions

evidence

**information** (e.g. data, quotations, excerpts from text) **used as proof** to support a claim or thesis

fallacy

evidence or reasoning that is **false** or in error

implication

a possible **future** effect or result

inductive

a type of reasoning that presents cases or evidence that lead to a logical conclusion

inquiry

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

interdisciplinary

involving **two or more** areas of knowledge

issue

important problem for debate or discussion

lens

a **filter** through which an issue or topic is considered or examined

limitation

a **boundary or point** at which an argument of generalization is no longer valid

literature

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

perspective

a **point of view** conveyed through an argument

plagiarism

**failure** to acknowledge, attribute, and/or cite any ideas or evidence taken from another source

point of view

a **position or standpoint** on a topic or issue

primary source

an **original source** of information (e.g. study, artifact, data set, interview, article)

qualification

a condition or exception

qualitative

having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions

rebuttal

**contradicting** an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence

refutation

**disproving** an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims

reliability

the extent to which something can be **trusted to be accurate**

resolution

the act of **solving** a problem or dispute

scaffolding

the provision of temporary structures support for **students** (minecraft) to aid skill development

secondary source

a **commentary about one or more primary sources** that provides additional insight, opinion, and/or interpretation about the primary source, data, study, or articles

sequencing

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

solution

a means of **answering a question** or addressing a problem or issue

text

something composed (e.g. articles; research studies; foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; speeches; broadcasts, and personal accounts; artistic works and performances) that coneys a perspective and can be examined

thesis

a **claim or position** on an issue put forward and supported by evidence

tone

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

validity

the extent to which an argument or claim is **logical**

vocal variety

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