AP seminar Mar 31

  • Stimulus Materials

    • Importance of using two stimulus materials for establishing themes.

    • One material identified as the “load-bearing source”, crucial for your argument.

    • Without clear relevance or proper integration, points awarded can drop to zero.

    • Aim for a strong reliance on stimulus materials throughout the argument.

  • Research Question Significance

    • Five points can be earned by situating your research question/thesis in context and showing its importance.

    • Zero points if context is absent or vague; clear explanation is necessary to avoid low scoring.

  • Perspectives

    • Worth nine points, this criterion evaluates the effectiveness in presenting multiple viewpoints.

    • Strong answers include counterarguments, implications, and limitations.

    • Objections refer to counterarguments; Limitations address what the solution doesn't address; Implications focus on what the solution does change.

    • Six points for describing multiple perspectives with less synthesis; zero points for lacking diversity in viewpoints.

  • Line of Reasoning

    • Clear, convincing argument is crucial; high scoring is linked to logically organized reasoning and strong defenses of the thesis.

    • Eight points indicate some flaws in reasoning or organization, while zero points denote poorly supported opinions or lack of argument.

    • Make sure to articulate and defend your argument coherently with claims and evidence.

  • Evidence

    • Nine points for presenting relevant, credible, and sufficient evidence.

    • Six points if evidence is mostly reliable but includes weak sources; zero points for credible evidence or lack of sources.

    • Ensure you have around eight sources reviewed and incorporated in your outline.

  • Conventions in Citations

    • Importance placed on correctly citing sources in both in-text and works cited format to avoid penalties.

    • Missing citations can lead to zero points in this area, hence critical to double-check your references.

  • Writing Style and Audience Awareness

    • Comprises grammar, punctuation, and word choice affecting overall style.

    • Minor errors typically won’t affect scoring, but attention must be given to audience expectations.

  • Outline Completion Timeline

    • Students are encouraged to finalize their outlines within the provided timeframe, with emphasis on organizing ideas clearly and effectively.

Criteria

To Avoid Getting a Zero

To Get Full Credit

Stimulus Materials

No integration of materials.

Strong reliance on two materials, with one as load-bearing.

Research Question

Vague or absent context for the question.

Clear situating and importance explained.

Perspectives

Lacks diversity or synthesis of viewpoints.

Presents multiple perspectives with counterarguments.

Line of Reasoning

Poorly articulated arguments and reasoning.

Clear and convincing argument with strong defenses.

Evidence

Lack of credible sources or no evidence at all.

Relevant, credible, and sufficient evidence presented.

Citations

Missing citations in text and works cited.

All citations correctly formatted in both areas.

Writing Style

Numerous grammar and clarity issues.

Minor errors, with overall clarity and style maintained.

Outline Timeline

Delayed submission