Glossary
Analysis
Analysis, also known as commentary, is the explanation of how and why the provided evidence supports and connects to the author's claim, demonstrating the logical link between them.
Example:
The student's analysis effectively showed how the historical data on economic downturns directly illustrated the dangers of unchecked financial speculation.
Claim
A claim is the main argument or stance an author takes, serving as the central idea that the entire essay aims to prove or convince the reader of.
Example:
The essay's central claim was that mandatory community service hours for high school students foster greater civic engagement.
Credible
Evidence is credible if it comes from a trustworthy and authoritative source, enhancing its believability and persuasive power.
Example:
The scientist's findings were considered highly credible due to her extensive research and peer-reviewed publications in the field.
Debatable
A claim is debatable if it presents a position that reasonable people could disagree with, allowing for a meaningful argument to be constructed and supported.
Example:
The assertion that pineapple belongs on pizza is highly debatable, making it a good starting point for an argumentative essay.
Evidence
Evidence refers to the specific information, facts, examples, statistics, or expert testimony used to support and strengthen an author's claim.
Example:
To support her argument, the student presented evidence from a recent study showing a direct correlation between screen time and decreased attention spans in adolescents.
Relevant
Evidence is relevant if it directly pertains to and supports the specific claim being made, avoiding extraneous or unrelated information.
Example:
While interesting, the anecdote about the author's childhood pet was not relevant to the argument about climate change policy.
Rhetorical Strategies
Rhetorical strategies are the specific techniques or appeals (such as ethos, pathos, logos, or stylistic devices) an author uses to persuade an audience or achieve a particular purpose.
Example:
The speaker employed various rhetorical strategies, including vivid imagery and emotional appeals, to galvanize support for the environmental cause.
Signal Phrase
A signal phrase is a short introductory phrase that integrates quoted or paraphrased evidence into an essay, typically indicating the source or speaker of the information.
Example:
As Dr. Anya Sharma states, 'The future of renewable energy is bright,' is an effective signal phrase to introduce a direct quote.
Sophistication
In AP English Language scoring, sophistication refers to a nuanced and complex understanding of the text and rhetorical situation, often demonstrated through insightful analysis or a consistently persuasive style.
Example:
The essay achieved sophistication by exploring the subtle ironies in the author's tone, rather than just identifying them.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the overarching argument or main point of an essay, typically presented in the introduction, which functions as the essay's central claim.
Example:
Her thesis statement clearly articulated that the novel's ambiguous ending challenged traditional notions of heroism.