Glossary
Analyze Evidence
The crucial step of explaining the significance of a piece of evidence, demonstrating how it supports the claim, and elaborating on its relevance to the overall argument. It moves beyond simply presenting facts. [1, 7, 31, 32]
Example:
After presenting statistics on rising global temperatures, a student must analyze evidence by explaining how these numbers directly illustrate the urgency of climate action and refute opposing viewpoints.
Argumentative Essay
A type of essay where the writer presents a clear claim or position on a topic and supports it with logical reasoning and evidence to persuade the reader. It aims to convince the audience of the validity of the writer's viewpoint. [5, 40]
Example:
In an AP Lang argumentative essay, a student might argue that social media platforms have a net negative impact on teenage mental health, using studies and expert opinions as evidence.
Audience
The intended readers or listeners of a text, whose characteristics, beliefs, and values influence the writer's rhetorical choices, including the selection and presentation of evidence. [3, 12, 15, 16]
Example:
When writing an appeal for funding, a scientist would tailor their language and audience-specific evidence, such as detailed research methodologies, differently for a panel of fellow scientists versus a general public charity board.
Claim
The main argument, assertion, or point that an essay or speaker is trying to prove. It is the central idea that the entire piece of writing aims to support. [1, 7, 9, 30, 36]
Example:
The student's claim in their essay was that mandatory community service should be integrated into high school curricula to foster civic engagement.
Counterargument
An argument or point of view that opposes the main claim being made. Addressing it demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and strengthens the writer's own position. [5, 10, 19, 43]
Example:
While some might present the counterargument that standardized tests provide a consistent measure of student performance, a writer could refute this by highlighting their inherent biases and limitations.
Evidence
Information, facts, examples, statistics, or data used to support a claim or argument. It provides the necessary backing to make an argument credible and convincing. [1, 4, 7, 32]
Example:
When discussing the impact of climate change, citing the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels from scientific reports serves as powerful evidence.
Logical Reasoning
The process of using sound, systematic thinking to connect evidence to a claim, often involving cause-and-effect relationships, comparisons, or deductive/inductive patterns. It forms the backbone of a coherent argument. [1, 13, 34, 35]
Example:
Using logical reasoning, a student might argue that because increased screen time correlates with decreased physical activity (evidence), it is a contributing factor to rising childhood obesity rates (claim).
Paraphrase
To restate information or ideas from a source in one's own words, while still attributing the original idea to the source. It demonstrates understanding of the material. [17]
Example:
Instead of directly quoting a lengthy research finding, a student might paraphrase it by explaining that the study indicated a strong correlation between daily exercise and improved cognitive function in adolescents.
Quote
To use the exact words from a source, enclosed in quotation marks, to directly support a point. This method requires proper citation. [17]
Example:
When analyzing a speech, a student might quote the speaker directly: 'We must seize this moment to forge a brighter future,' to highlight their call to action.
Relevance of Evidence
The direct connection or applicability of a piece of evidence to the specific claim or argument being made. Evidence must directly support the point it is intended to prove. [1, 17, 28]
Example:
When arguing for later school start times, a study on adolescent sleep patterns would have high relevance of evidence, whereas a study on adult sleep patterns would not.
Reliable Sources
Sources of information that are trustworthy, accurate, and unbiased, often from academic institutions, peer-reviewed journals, or reputable news organizations. Using them enhances the credibility of an argument. [1]
Example:
For a paper on public health, a student would prioritize data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or a peer-reviewed medical journal as reliable sources over a personal blog.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay
An essay type on the AP English Language exam where students analyze how an author uses rhetorical choices (such as appeals, devices, and stylistic elements) to achieve a particular purpose for a specific audience. [8, 22, 41]
Example:
In a rhetorical analysis essay, a student might examine how a politician uses emotional appeals and vivid imagery to persuade voters during a campaign speech.
SOAPSTone
An acronym (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone) used as a framework for analyzing rhetorical situations and texts. It helps students understand the context and choices behind a piece of writing. [11, 18, 21, 25, 44]
Example:
Before writing their rhetorical analysis, the student used SOAPSTone to break down the speech, identifying the 'Speaker' as a former astronaut and the 'Purpose' as inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers.
Strength of Evidence
The degree to which a piece of evidence is convincing, authoritative, and directly supports a claim, often varying by type (e.g., scientific data is generally stronger than a single anecdote). [1, 17, 29]
Example:
While a personal story about a successful diet might be engaging, the strength of evidence for a health claim would be far greater if supported by a large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trial.
Synthesis Essay
An essay type on the AP English Language exam where students integrate information from multiple provided sources to develop and support their own argument on a given topic. [8, 22, 31]
Example:
For the synthesis essay, students had to combine insights from a historical document, a scientific study, and a personal narrative to construct an argument about the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Thesis
The central argument or main idea of an essay, typically stated in the introduction, that the writer will support and develop throughout the paper. It provides a roadmap for the reader. [3, 14, 20, 22, 23, 39, 42]
Example:
The essay's thesis clearly stated that 'While technological advancements offer unprecedented convenience, their unchecked proliferation threatens genuine human connection by fostering superficial interactions.'
Variety of Evidence
The practice of incorporating different types of supporting information, such as statistics, expert opinions, historical examples, or personal anecdotes, to make an argument more robust and persuasive. [17]
Example:
To argue for stricter recycling laws, a writer might use a variety of evidence, including statistics on landfill waste, expert opinions from environmental scientists, and examples of successful recycling programs in other cities.