Glossary
Accuracy
The precision and correctness in recording source information, such as using the right source letter or author.
Example:
Double-checking the source letter (e.g., Source A vs. Source B) ensures accuracy in your citations.
Analysis
The process of examining and interpreting how evidence from sources supports your claims, explaining its significance and connection to your argument.
Example:
After presenting a quote, your analysis should explain why that quote is important and how it proves your point.
Analysis and Reasoning
The explanation of how evidence supports a claim, demonstrating insightful thought and logical connections between ideas and the argument.
Example:
After presenting a historical fact, your analysis and reasoning would explain its significance and how it contributes to your overall argument.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Ensuring that you do not present someone else's ideas or words as your own, which is achieved through proper citation and original thought.
Example:
Always paraphrasing and citing sources correctly is key to avoiding plagiarism in your research paper.
Building Credibility
Establishing trustworthiness and authority in your writing by demonstrating thorough research and proper attribution of information.
Example:
Using reliable sources and citing them correctly helps you in building credibility with your audience.
Citing Sources
Acknowledging the original authors or creators of information used in your work, typically by providing specific references.
Example:
When writing an essay about climate change, you must cite sources for any statistics or expert opinions you include.
Evidence and Support
The use of specific details, facts, examples, or quotations from provided sources to substantiate and strengthen the claims made in an essay.
Example:
In an essay discussing the impact of social media, providing statistics on screen time and quotes from psychologists serves as strong evidence and support.
Following Up
Providing enough information in citations for readers to locate and explore the original sources themselves for further research.
Example:
A well-structured bibliography allows readers to easily follow up on the research you've presented.
Giving Credit
The act of formally acknowledging the original author or creator of ideas, information, or words used in your own work.
Example:
By giving credit to the historian who first proposed a theory, you show respect for their intellectual contribution.
Meeting Academic Standards
Adhering to the established rules and expectations for formal writing and research within an educational context.
Example:
Proper citation is essential for meeting academic standards in any college-level essay.
Over-Reliance on Quotes
The common pitfall of using too many direct quotations without sufficient original analysis or explanation from the writer.
Example:
An essay that is mostly quotes with little original thought demonstrates an over-reliance on quotes.
Providing Evidence
Supplying factual information, data, or expert opinions from sources to support and strengthen your claims or arguments.
Example:
To prove your point about the benefits of exercise, you should provide evidence from scientific studies.
Relevance
The quality of a chosen quote or piece of evidence being directly pertinent and supportive of the specific claim or argument it is used to illustrate.
Example:
When arguing for stricter environmental laws, choose quotes that demonstrate the impact of pollution, ensuring their relevance to your point.
Sophistication
The demonstration of a nuanced, complex understanding of the prompt and topic, often achieved through insightful arguments, effective rhetorical choices, and a mature writing style.
Example:
An essay that earns the sophistication point might explore the subtle paradoxes within a text or offer a particularly insightful counterargument.
Source Integration
The skillful weaving of quoted or paraphrased material from sources into your own writing, ensuring smooth transitions and clear connections to your argument.
Example:
Effective source integration means your essay flows naturally, not just dropping quotes without explanation.
Thesis
A concise statement, typically one sentence, that presents the main argument or controlling idea of an essay.
Example:
A strong thesis for an argumentative essay might state, 'The widespread adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change and fostering economic stability.'
Time Management
The strategic allocation of time during an exam or writing task to ensure all components of the essay are addressed effectively within the given timeframe.
Example:
Practicing essay outlines helps improve time management on the AP Lang exam, allowing you to finish all sections.