AP® Seminar Performance Task 2 Study Notes

AP® Seminar Performance Task 2: Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation Notes
Introduction to Performance Task 2

  • Overview: This performance task is one of three parts of the overall assessment for AP Seminar, which includes two performance tasks and an end-of-course exam.

Components of the AP Seminar Assessment

  1. Performance Task 1: Team Project and Presentation

    • Component 1: Individual Research Report

    • Component 2: Team Multimedia Presentation and Oral Defense

  2. Performance Task 2: Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation

    • Component 1: Individual Written Argument (IWA)

    • Component 2: Individual Multimedia Presentation (IMP)

    • Component 3: Oral Defense (OD)

  3. End-of-Course Exam:

    • Part A: Three Short-Answer Questions (based on one source)

    • Part B: One Essay Question (based on four sources)

  • Goal: Analyze the provided stimulus materials to develop a research question that reflects a thematic connection between at least two materials. The question must permit exploration and produce a substantive argument.

Task Overview

  • Weight: 35% of the AP Seminar score

  • Requirements for Performance Task 2:

    • Identify a rich research question based on analysis of stimulus materials.

    • Gather information from a range of sources, including scholarly work.

    • Develop and refine an argument in written and multimedia formats.

    • Prepare for an oral defense following the presentation.

Task Directions
1. Individual Written Argument (IWA)

  • Read and analyze stimulus materials to identify thematic connections.

  • Create a research question that connects at least two stimulus materials.

  • Research from various credible sources to support your argument.

  • Integrate stimulus materials as relevant context or evidence in your argument.

  • Evaluate opposing views and their implications.

  • Coherent and convincing writing is essential.

  • Evidence cited from credible sources must include a bibliography.

  • Adhere to a limit of 2,000 words, excluding certain citation details.

  • Ensure anonymity by removing personal identifiers.

2. Individual Multimedia Presentation (IMP)

  • Develop a multimedia presentation summarizing the argument.

  • Focus on conveying key points effectively to a non-expert audience.

  • Utilize visual media in the presentation design and be mindful of audience engagement strategies.

  • Final presentation should last between 6-8 minutes and be rehearsed adequately.

3. Individual Oral Defense (OD)

  • Prepare to defend the research process, use of evidence, and conclusions in response to two questions from the teacher.

  • The defense may include:

    • Reflection on how preliminary information informed research.

    • Discussion of sources not included in the final argument and reasoning.

    • Insights on the evolution of the research question during the process.

    • Consideration of the implications of findings on communities.

Required Checkpoints

  • Evidence of original sources must be submitted to the teacher.

  • Discuss research progress with the teacher during scheduled checkpoints.

  • Present and discuss the argument outline with the teacher.

Academic Integrity Policies
Plagiarism and Fabrication

  • Failure to credit sources will result in a score of 0 on that component.

  • Falsification of information will equally result in a score of 0.

Acceptable Use of Generative AI

  • Generative AI tools may be used responsibly to support learning, not to bypass it. Acceptable uses include:

    • Seeking knowledge on topics of inquiry and sources.

    • Improving understanding of complex texts without replacing original reading.

  • Unacceptable uses include:

    • Directly using AI tools for writing assignments.

    • Relying on AI for drafting or outlining specific papers.

Stimulus Materials Overview
Stimulus Source Highlights

  1. Coffee Shop Community Roles: Article emphasizing the significance of coffee shops as ‘third places’ that foster social connections and community in urban settings.

  2. Effects of Social Connection on Health: Insights from a report linking social isolation to adverse health effects, highlighting the importance of social connections for well-being.

  3. Environmental Impact of Roads: Discusses the extensive effects of roads on ecosystems and biodiversity.

  4. Value of Shared Memories in Ballparks: Personal narratives describing the emotional connections tied to places and shared experiences.

  5. Sustainability of LEO Satellite Broadband: Examination of environmental impacts and challenges posed by low Earth orbit satellites in relation to providing broadband services.

Examples and References

  • Coffee Shops as Third Places: Described by Oldenburg (1999) as spaces for social interaction outside of home and work.

  • Health Outcomes from Social Connection: Various studies documenting increased survival rates through strong social networks, emphasizing loneliness as a major health risk.

Conclusion

  • Essential Learning Outcome: Ability to conduct thorough research, synthesize information, and engage in guided discussions on selected topics relevant to community and social impacts.