Key Vocabulary for This Unit

Unit 1 Core Vocabulary Words

The vocabulary for this unit can be broken down into three main categories: understanding arguments, evaluating sources, and communicating effectively.

Understanding Arguments

• Argument: A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective, developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence.

• Claim: A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective.

• Line of reasoning: The logical arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion.

• Conclusion: The final understanding that a person reaches after analyzing evidence and arguments.

• Perspective: A point of view conveyed through an argument. It includes the author’s tone and attitude toward a topic.

• Counterargument: An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence.

Evaluating Sources

• Bias: A personal opinion, belief, or value that may influence one’s judgment, perspective, or claim.

• Credibility: The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy. When using sources, students must consider the author's reputation, credentials, and potential bias.

• Evidence: Information (e.g., data, quotations, excerpts from texts) used as proof to support a claim or thesis.

• Primary source: An original source of information about a topic, such as a research study, an interview, or a firsthand account.

• Secondary source: A commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight or interpretation.

• Relevance: The extent to which a piece of evidence or a source is applicable and appropriate to the inquiry.

The Inquiry Process

• Inquiry: A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through study and research.

• Inquiry framework: The structured approach to inquiry, in this case, the AP Seminar QUEST framework.

• Annotation: The process of taking notes and making comments directly on a text to aid in critical reading and comprehension.

• Plagiarism: A serious offense that occurs when a person presents another's ideas or words as their own without proper acknowledgment and citation.

• Generative artificial intelligence (AI): Tools that use predictive technology to produce new content (text, images, etc.). Students must know the acceptable and unacceptable uses of these tools according to the AP Capstone policy.

Composition Book Assignment

Practice