AP Seminar End-Of-Course Exam: Part B Overview

Introduction

• Speaker: Mrs. Malloy from Carmel High School, Indiana
• Focus: Understanding the Part B task, process, and rubric for the AP Seminar exam to effectively craft an argument.

Task Instructions

• Read Four Sources:
  • Focus on a unifying theme or issue.
  • Each source presents a different perspective.
• Write an Argument:
  • Must be well-organized, reasoned, and written.
  • Incorporate at least two sources.
  • Link claims to supporting evidence.
  • May use additional sources or personal knowledge.
  • Refer to sources by letter (A, B, C, D) or author’s name.

Key Differences: IWA vs. Part B

• IWA: Requires one source, multi-draft, themes.
• Part B: Requires two sources, single draft, time-constrained.

Common Misconceptions

• Summarizing Each Source: Not an argument.
• Pre-packaged Arguments: Must stay true to sources.

Essential Process Steps

1. Read and Annotate Sources:
   • Identify key ideas.
   • Determine overarching and nuanced themes.
2. Generate Own Perspective:
   • Develop a research question or claim.
   • Differentiate from sources' arguments.
3. Plan Before Writing:
   • Outline argument structure.
   • Include claims, counters, and rebuttals.
4. Incorporate Complexity:
   • Address limitations/counterclaims.
   • Engage with multiple perspectives.
5. Compose and Proofread:
   • Allocate time for clarity and legibility.

Timing Strategy

• 90 Minutes Total:
  • 25-30 minutes for planning.
  • 45-55 minutes for writing.
  • 5-10 minutes for proofreading.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Understanding and Engagement:
   • Show comprehension and authentic incorporation of sources.
2. Line of Reasoning:
   • Logical claims, evidence, and commentary.
3. Evidence Selection and Use:
   • Authentic evidence use aligned with claims.
4. Clarity of Communication:
   • Consistent source attribution.

Identifying Themes

• Example (2019 Exam): Consumer culture, excess, recycling.
• Process: Connect themes across sources for argument formation.

Generating and Planning Arguments

• Narrow Focus: Ensure complexity and specificity in thesis.
• Outline:
  • Introduction, claims, counterclaims, evidence, and conclusions.

Integrating Evidence

• High Score: Fully integrated, authentic evidence.
• Medium Score: Superficial or partial integration.
• Low Score: Misinterpretation or manipulation of evidence.

Conclusion

• Be Rational: Acronym for planning and executing the exam task.
  • R: Read stimulus.
  • A: Authentically identify theme.
  • T: Take a stance.
  • I: Identify and integrate sources.
  • O: Outline argument.
  • N: Nourish with commentary.
  • A: Attribute sources.
  • L: Leave time to proofread.

Final Reminder

• Confidence and Skills: Trust in your preparation and ability to apply skills developed throughout the year.