Task 2: Individual Research-Based Essay (1/3)

AP Seminar Score Weight: 35%

👀 Overview:

  • Create a research question by analysing the stimulus material (provided)

  • Gather new information using scholarly sites

  • Develop an argument (make sure to polish it)

  • NEXT, create a multimedia presentation & orally defend your argument

    • More on Task 2 (2-3/3)

  • Submit IWA in AP Digital Portfolio by the deadline

    • Around 2,000 words in length (2,200 MAXIMUM, 10% cushion) - excludes bibliography, text in data charts, & footnoted citations, BUT includes title, all headings, & in-text citations

    • Cite sources in-text & separate “Works Cited” page (MLA citation, personal preference)

    • Remove name, teacher, & school references!

🐳 Deep Dive:

  • Identify common themes among stimulus material

  • Connect at least 2 stimulus material concerning themes to your research question

  • Choose additional pieces of evidence (from scholarly sites) → more perspectives

  • Interpret evidence to develop an argument → answering question & demonstrates your perspective

  • Identify opposing or alternative perspectives & limitations and/or applications → conclusion, resolution, or solution to research question

  • Create ARGUMENT

    • Explain the importance of research question (in a larger context)

    • Link claims & evidence → specific conclusion, resolution, or solution to question

    • Use at least 1 stimulus material as part of your argument (as context or evidence to support claims)

    • Use different perspectives → consider objections, limitations, and/or implications

    • Include credible evidence (scholarly sites)

    • Cite all sources used (Over-cite! Even stimulus material)

    • Write for an academic audience (correct grammar & appropriate style)

🪸 Rubric (48 Points):

ROW 1 - Understanding & Analyzing Context (Using Stimulus Material)

0 Points

5 Points

  • Stimulus material NOT incorporated in response (one sentence - brief mention OR doesn’t contribute to argument - misrepresentation)

  • Material’s use (definition or fact) could’ve been used from another MORE relevant source

  • If deleted, no effect towards response

  • At least 1 stimulus material → argument response (context for question, supporting evidence for claims, etc.) used CORRECTLY

  • Accurate understanding of material & its context (date, topic, region, etc.) - reference source

  • If deleted, changes or weakens argument

Note: Stimulus material references may be included multiple times

ROW 2 - Understanding & Analyzing Context (Writing Context)

0 Points

5 Points

  • No context provided

  • Simplistic references OR general statements about context of question

ROW 3

ROW 4

ROW 5

ROW 6

ROW 7

🌊 General Advice: