Vocabulary Glossary

Question 1

Alignment

Answer 1

Cohesion between the focus of inquiry, the method of collecting information, the process of analysis of information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus.

Question 2

Argument

Answer 2

A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence.

Question 3

Assumption

Answer 3

A belief regarded as true and often unstated.

Question 4

Author

Answer 4

The one who creates a work (e.g. article; research; study; foundational, literary, or philosophical text; speech; broadcast, or personal account; artistic work or performance) that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Question 5

Bias

Answer 5

A personal opinion, belief or value that may influence one’s judgment, perspective, or claim.

Question 6

Claim

Answer 6

A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective.

Question 7

Commentary

Answer 7

Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends, and/or explain relationships.

Question 8

Complex Issue

Answer 8

Issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood in order to address it.

Question 9

Concession

Answer 9

Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view.

Question 10

Conclusion

Answer 10

Understanding the resulting from the analysis of evidence.

Question 11

Context

Answer 11

The intent, audience, purpose, bias, situatedness, and/or background (larger environment) of a source or reference.

Question 12

Conventions

Answer 12

The stylistic features of writing (e.g. grammar, usage, mechanics).

Question 13

Counterargument

Answer 13

An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence.

Question 14

Credibility

Answer 14

The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy.

Question 15

Cross-Curricular

Answer 15

Goes beyond the traditional boundary of a single content area or discipline.

Question 16

Deductive

Answer 16

A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions that are supported with evidence.

Question 17

Evidence

Answer 17

Information (e.g. data, quotations, excerpts from text) used as proof to support a claim or thesis.

Question 18

Fallacy

Answer 18

Evidence or reasoning that is false or in error Implication- a possible future effect or result.

Question 19

Inductive

Answer 19

A type of reasoning that presents cases or evidence that lead to a logical conclusion.

Question 20

Inquiry

Answer 20

A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through a study, research investigation, or artistic endeavor/work.

Question 21

Interdisciplinary

Answer 21

Involving two or more areas of knowledge.

Question 22

Issue

Answer 22

Important problem for debate or discussion.

Question 23

Limitation

Answer 23

A boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid.

Question 24

Line of Reasoning

Answer 24

Arrangement of claims and evidence that lead to a conclusion.

Question 25

Literature

Answer 25

The foundational and current texts of a field or discipline of study.

Question 26

Perspective

Answer 26

A point of view conveyed through an argument.

Question 27

Plagiarism

Answer 27

Failure to acknowledge, attribute, and/or cite any ideas or evidence taken from another source.

Question 28

Point of View

Answer 28

A position or standpoint on a topic or issue.

Question 29

Primary Source

Answer 29

An original source of information about a topic (e.g. study, artifact, data set, interview, article).

Question 30

Qualification

Answer 30

A condition or exception.

Question 31

Qualitative

Answer 31

Having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions.

Question 32

Quantitative

Answer 32

Having to do with numbers, amounts or quantities.

Question 33

Rebuttal

Answer 33

Contradicting an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence.

Question 34

Refutation

Answer 34

Disproving an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims and counterevidence.

Question 35

Reliability

Answer 35

The extent to which something can be trusted to be accurate.

Question 36

Resolution

Answer 36

The act of solving a problem or dispute.

Question 37

Scaffolding

Answer 37

The provision of temporary structured support for students to aid skill development.

Question 38

Secondary Source

Answer 38

A commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight, opinions, and/or interpretation about the primary source, data, study, or artifacts.

Question 39

Sequencing

Answer 39

The organization of curriculum content into an order which progresses from simple to more complex.

Question 40

Solution

Answer 40

A means of answering a question or addressing a problem or issue.

Question 41

Text

Answer 41

Something composed (e.g. articles; research studies; foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; speeches; broadcasts, and personal accounts; artistic works and performances) that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Question 42

Thesis

Answer 42

A claim or position on an issue put forward and supported by evidence.

Question 43

Tone

Answer 43

The way in which an author expresses an attitude about his or her topic or subject through rhetorical choices.

Question 44

Validity

Answer 44

The extent to which an argument or claim is logical.

Question 45

Vocal Variety

Answer 45

Changing vocal characteristics (e.g. pitch, volume, speed) in order to emphasize ideas, convey emotion or opinion, or achieve other specific purposes.