AP Seminar Glossary

AP Seminar Glossary

(Get familiar with these words!)

Alignment- cohesion between the focus of inquiry, the method of collecting information, the process of analysis of information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus

Argument-a claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through line of reasoning and supported by evidence

Assumption- a belief regarded as true and often unstated

Author- the one who creates a work (e.g. article; research; study; foundational, literary, or philosophical text; speech; broadcast, or personal account; artistic work or performance) that conveys a perspective and can be examined

Bias- a personal opinion, belief or value that may influence one’s 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 which may identify patterns, describe trends, and/or explain relationships

Complex issue- issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood in order to address it

Concession- acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view

Conclusion- understanding the resulting from the analysis of evidence

Context-the intent, audience, purpose, bias, situatedness, and/or background (larger environment) of a source or reference

Conventions- the stylistic features of writing (e.g. grammar, usage, 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 that are supported with evidence

Evidence- information (e.g. data, quotations, excerpts from text) 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 cases or evidence that lead to a logical conclusion

Inquiry- a process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through a study, research investigation, or artistic endeavor/work

Interdisciplinary- involving two or more areas of knowledge

Issue- important problem for debate or discussion

Lens- a filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined

Limitation- a boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid

Line of reasoning- arrangement of claims and evidence that lead to a conclusion

Literature- the foundational and current texts of a field or discipline of study

Perspective- a point of view conveyed through an argument

Plagiarism- failure to acknowledge, attribute, and/or cite any ideas or evidence taken from another source

Point of view- a position or standpoint on a topic or issue

Primary source- an original source of information about a topic (e.g. study, artifact, data set, interview, article)

Qualification- a condition or exception

Qualitative- having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions

Rebuttal- contradicting an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence

Refutation- disproving an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims and counterevidence

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 students to aid skill development

Secondary source- a commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight, opinions, and/or interpretation about the primary source, data, study, or artifacts

Sequencing- the organization of curriculum content into an order which progresses from simple to more complex

Solution- a means of answering a question or addressing a problem or issue

Text- something composed (e.g. articles; research studies; foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; speeches; broadcasts, and personal accounts; artistic works and performances) that conveys a perspective and can be examined

Thesis- a claim or position on an issue put forward and supported by evidence

Tone- the way in which an author expresses an attitude about his or her topic or subject through rhetorical choices

Validity- the extent to which an argument or claim is logical

Vocal variety- changing vocal characteristics (e.g. pitch, volume, speed) in order to emphasize ideas, convey emotion or opinion, or achieve other specific purposes