AP Seminar — Cheatsheet
Formulas, exam-day tips, and key terms on one page.
How to get a 5
- In Part A of the EOC, do not summarize the text. Analyze *how* the author builds the argument.
- In Part B of the EOC, you must synthesize at least two of the provided sources to build your own argument.
- For the Team Project (PT1), ensure your individual report has a distinct lens that complements, rather than overlaps, your teammates' lenses.
- Always explicitly address the limitations, implications, or consequences of your proposed solutions or arguments.
Key terms
QUEST Framework — Question and Explore, Understand and Analyze, Evaluate Multiple Perspectives, Synthesize Ideas, Team, Transform, and Transmit.
Line of Reasoning — The logical sequence of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion.
Lens — A specific perspective or filter through which an issue is examined (e.g., economic, ethical, environmental).
Perspective — A point of view conveyed through an argument.
Credibility — The degree to which a source is trustworthy, reliable, and accurate.
Plagiarism — Using another's work or ideas without proper citation.
Synthesis — Combining different, often disparate, ideas or sources to create a new, coherent understanding or argument.
Stakeholder — A person, group, or organization who has an interest or concern in an issue.
Counterargument — An argument opposing an idea or thesis.
Concession — Acknowledging the validity of an opposing point.
Rebuttal — Evidence or reasoning introduced to counter an opposing view.
Annotated Bibliography — A list of citations to books, articles, and documents, followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph.