AP Seminar, Part BEstablish Argument
6 points: The response identifies a theme or issue connecting the provided sources and presents a perspective that is not represented in one of the sources OR brings a particularly insightful approach to one of the perspectives OR makes a strong thematic connection among perspectives.
4 points: Identifies a theme or issue that connects the sources. The response derives its perspective from only one of the sources.
2 points: Misstates or overlooks a theme or issue that connects the sources. The response's perspective is unclear or unrelated to the sources.
0 points: Does not meet the criteria for 2 points.
Establish Line of Reasoning
6 points: The line of reasoning is logically organized and well-developed. The commentary explains evidence and connects it to claims to clearly and convincingly establish an argument.
4 points: The argument is mostly clear and organized, but the logic may be faulty OR the reasoning may be logical but not well organized. The commentary explains the links between evidence and claims.
2 points: The line of reasoning is disorganized and/or illogical. The response lacks commentary, or the commentary incorrectly or tangentially explains the links between evidence and claims.
0 points: Does not meet the criteria for 2 points.
Select and Use Evidence
6 points: Appropriately synthesizes relevant information drawn from at least two of the provided sources to develop and support a compelling argument.
4 points: Accurately uses relevant information from at least two of the provided sources to support an argument.
2 points: Repeats or misinterprets information from at least two of the provided sources, or the information lacks relevance thereby providing little support for an argument.
0 points: Uses one or none of the provided sources.
Apply Conventions
6 points: Communicates clearly to the reader (although may not be free of errors in grammar and style) AND the response effectively integrates material from sources into the argument (e.g., it is clearly introduced, integrated, or embedded into the text) and accurately attributes knowledge and ideas.
4 points: Is generally clear but contains some flaws in grammar and style that occasionally interfere with communication to the reader. The response accurately attributes knowledge and ideas from sources.
2 points: Contains many flaws in grammar and style that often interfere with communication to the reader OR the response incorrectly or ineffectively attributes knowledge and ideas from sources.
0 points: Does not meet the criteria for 2 points.