AP Seminar Vobaulary

Argument (n)

an author’s perspective expressed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence

Alignment (n)

logical cohesion between the line of reasoning that makes up an argument

Assumption (n)

when an author takes for granted the belief that something is true

Bias (n)

a personal outlook that may influence an author’s perspective

Claim (n)

a declaration that something is true; one smaller part of a line of reasoning

Commentary (n)

a discussion by subject matter experts

Concession (n)

acknowledgment of an opposing or different view

Context (n)

the larger environment or background of a source or issue

Conventions (n)

the basic rules of writing

Counterargument (n)

an opposing perspective, often followed by a rebuttal that explains the limitations of this perspective

Credibility (n)

the degree to which a source is believable/trustworthy

Fallacy (n)

evidence or reasoning that is false or in error

Implication (n)

a possible future effect or result

Inquiry (n)

a process of seeking truth through research

Interdisciplinary (adj)

involving two or more areas of knowledge

Limitation (n)

a constraint; a realistic boundary for an argument

Line of Reasoning (n)

the arrangement of claims and evidence within a text that forms a larger argument

Plagarism (n)

the failure to cite information taken from someone else

Primary Source (n)

an original source of information that provides firsthand information, offering a direct link to the topic

Secondary Source (n)

commentary about a primary source that provides analysis or opinion

Qualitative (adj)

having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions

Quantitative (adj)

having to do with numbers, amounts, or quantities

Refutation (n)

disproving an opposing perspective through successful counterclaims and rebuttals

Text (n)

something composed that conveys a perspective and can be examined

Thesis (n)

in 1-2 sentences, an author’s perspective on an issue; the main argument

Tone (n)

an author’s attitude about the topic

Validity (n)

the extent to which an argument is logical

Vocal Variety (n)

changing speaking volume and speed to connect with one’s audience

Abhor (v)

to hate

Hamper (v)

to hinder or obstruct

Noxious (adj)

harmful, poisonous, lethal

Placid (adj)

calm or peaceful

Talisman (n)

luck charm

Bilk (v)

cheat, defraud

Acerbic (adj)

sour or bitter in taste

Cower (v)

recoil in fear or servility, shrink away from

Harangue (v)

noisy, attacking speech

Nullify (v)

to counter or make unimportant

Replete (adj)

full

Admonish (v)

to scold or reprimand

Abrogate (v)

to cancel, deny, or repeal

Enigma (n)

puzzle or mystery

Harbingers (n)

indicators, bringers of warning

Plaudit (n)

statement giving strong praise

Reprehensible (adj)

shameful, very bad

Advocate (n)

a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea

Ensconce (v)

establish firmly in a position

Hasten (v)

hurry; accelerate; rush

Obdurate (adj)

stubborn

Plausible (adj)

can be believed; reasonable

Reprieve (v)

a respite; postponement of a sentence

Tawdry (adj)

of little value; gawdy

Affection (n)

a positive feeling of liking

Obfuscate (v)

deliberatly make something difficult to understand

Abstemious (adj)

self denying; refraining from indulging

Blithe (adj)

free-spirited; carefree

Pliable (adj)

flexible; not stubborn

Rescind (v)

retract; repeal

Hedonism (n)

self indulgence; pleasure-seeking

Temper (n)

to moderate; soften

Laconic (adj)

using few words; brief; to the point

Oblique (adj)

indirect; slanting

Tenacious (adj)

stubborn; resolute; holding firm to purpose

Accolade (n)

tribute; honor; praise

Ephemeral (adj)

short-lived

Lamentation (n)

expression of regret or sorrow

Acquiesce (v)

to agree to; give in to

Bombast (n)

arrogant, pompous language

Curtail (v)

cut short

Heed (v)

listen too

Resonant

echoing

Tenuous (adj)

Flimsy, not solid

Ambitious (adj)

having a strong desire for success

Ambivalence (n)

mixed feelings or emotions

Apathetic (adj)

showing little or no emotion or animation

Apprehensive (adj)

in fear or dread of possible evil or harm

Assertion (n)

a declaration that is made emphatically

Audacious (adj)

disposed to venture or take risks

Averse (adj)

strongly opposed

Befuddled (adj)

perplexed by many conflicting statements