AP Seminar Vocab

Alignment

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

Argument

A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through reasoning and supported by evidence.

Assumption

A belief regarded as true and often unstated.

Author

One who creates a work that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Bias

A personal opinion or belief that may influence 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.

Complex issue

An issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood.

Concession

Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view.

Conclusion

Understanding resulting from analysis of evidence.

Context

The intent, audience, purpose, bias, and/or background of a source.

Conventions

The stylistic features of writing, such as grammar and 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.

Deductive

A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions supported by evidence.

Evidence

Information 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 evidence leading to a logical conclusion.

Inquiry

A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge.

Interdisciplinary

Involving two or more areas of knowledge.

Issue

An important problem for debate or discussion.

Lens

Filter through which an issue or topic is considered.

Limitation

A boundary at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid.

Line of reasoning

Arrangement of claims and evidence leading to a conclusion.

Literature

The foundational and current texts of a field of study.

Perspective

A point of view conveyed through an argument.

Plagiarism

Failure to acknowledge or cite ideas or evidence taken from another source.

Point of view

A position on a topic or issue.

Primary source

An original source of information about a topic.

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 with more convincing evidence.

Refutation

Disproving an opposing perspective with 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 structured support for skill development.

Secondary source

A commentary about one or more primary sources providing insight.

Sequencing

The organization of curriculum content into an order from simple to complex.

Solution

A means of answering a question or addressing a problem.

Text

Something composed that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Thesis

A claim or position on an issue supported by evidence.

Tone

The way in which an author expresses an attitude through rhetorical choices.

Validity

The extent to which an argument or claim is logical.

Vocal variety

Changing vocal characteristics to emphasize ideas or convey emotion.