Assessment Structure
AP Seminar · Performance Tasks (year-long) + End-of-Course Exam · May 2026
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Performance Task 1 · Written
Individual Research Report (IRP)
~33%2,000-word reportOngoing
- ›Independently identify a research question about a complex, real-world issue
- ›Synthesize evidence from 5+ credible sources (diverse in type, perspective, discipline)
- ›Write a scholarly argument with proper citations (MLA, APA, or Chicago)
💡 Your research question is the make-or-break element of the IRP. A great question is narrow, contestable, and consequential. 'How does social media affect mental health in teenagers?' is too broad. 'Does social comparison on Instagram increase body dissatisfaction among teenage girls?' is specific and arguable.
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Performance Task 2 · Collaborative
Team Project & Presentation (TPP)
~33%Team + individual defenseOngoing
- ›Collaborate with 3-5 teammates to research a shared complex issue
- ›Each team member contributes unique perspectives and disciplines
- ›Individual defense portion: justify your own contributions and respond to audience questions
💡 In your individual defense, emphasize YOUR specific contribution and intellectual journey. Say 'I was responsible for analyzing the economic data, and I chose this because...' — ownership language wins points.
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Section I · Source Analysis
End-of-Course Exam — Reading
~17%4–6 sources provided30 min
- ›Analyze a set of provided sources on a theme you've never seen before
- ›Identify each source's argument, credibility, perspective, and limitations
- ›Note connections and tensions across sources — what do they agree/disagree about?
💡 Annotate aggressively in the 30 minutes: circle the thesis, bracket key evidence, note the author's credentials and publication, and flag any assumptions or biases. These annotations become your exam essay toolkit.
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Section II · Synthesis Essay
End-of-Course Exam — Writing
~17%1 synthesis essay70 min
- ›Write a coherent argument that uses the provided sources as evidence
- ›Must include your own perspective, not just summary of sources
- ›Demonstrate cross-disciplinary thinking — connect sources from different fields
💡 AP Seminar graders specifically reward 'CCOW' structure: Claim, Context, Over-reliance Warning, Work. State your claim, provide context from a source, warn against oversimplifying, then do the real analytical work connecting it to your argument.
Score Distribution
5
Master
12%
4
Proficient
26%
3
Qualified
34%
2
Developing
20%
1
Beginning
8%
4 Units — The Scholar's Toolkit
Click any unit to expand topics, vocabulary, and curated resources.
Performance Task Mastery
3 assessment types · IRP, TPP, and Exam Essay. Master each format.
1
Individual Research Report (IRP)
8 pts per section (total ~24 pts)
Score rubric has 3 sections: (1) Research question and rationale — is it focused and significant? (2) Analysis and evaluation of sources — are they diverse and critically assessed? (3) Argument — does your thesis hold and is it your own? Write your IRP in layers: draft thesis → gather evidence → revise thesis → write body → revise again.
Model Opener
This paper argues that [specific claim] because [reason 1] and [reason 2], drawing on evidence from [field A] and [field B]. While some scholars contend [counterargument], this analysis demonstrates that [your position] because [key evidence].
2
Team Project Presentation (TPP)
15 pts team + 5 pts individual defense
In the team portion: be clear about WHO is presenting WHAT and why that person is the right voice for that section. In your individual defense: use 'I' language — 'I chose this source because,' 'I analyzed the economic data,' 'I believe the strongest counterargument is...' Ownership of ideas is what earns individual credit.
Model Opener
My specific contribution to this team project was [X]. I chose to focus on [aspect] because my background in [area] allowed me to [unique contribution]. The most challenging part of my research was [challenge], which I addressed by [solution].
3
End-of-Course Exam Essay
20 pts (Section I + II combined)
In 70 minutes, write an essay that: (1) states a clear, arguable thesis in paragraph 1, (2) uses at least 3 of the provided sources as evidence (not just quotes), (3) acknowledges a counterargument and refutes it, and (4) ends with implications — why does your conclusion matter?
Model Opener
The provided sources collectively suggest that [theme], though they diverge on [key disagreement]. This essay argues that [thesis]. As Source A demonstrates, [evidence]. However, Source B's [claim] challenges this view — yet this contradiction ultimately [resolution], because [your analysis].
Score 5 Strategy Guide
1
Your research question determines everything
A vague research question produces a vague paper. Spend 20% of your IRP time developing and refining the question. Test it: Is it answerable? Is it arguable? Is it interesting? Does it involve multiple disciplines?
2
Source diversity is a scoring criterion
AP Seminar explicitly rewards using sources from multiple disciplines (science, history, economics, sociology) and multiple types (data, expert opinion, primary source, narrative). Collect sources strategically.
3
SIFT every source before using it
Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, Trace claims to original context. College Board graders look for evidence that you've evaluated sources critically, not just found them.
4
Your individual voice must be present
A common mistake: writing a research report that only summarizes other people's views. Your thesis, your analysis, your judgment must be front and center. Use 'I argue' and 'My analysis suggests.'
5
The oral presentation is scored separately
Practice presenting out loud at least 5 times. You're scored on how clearly you communicate, how well you handle questions, and whether your multimedia enhances (not replaces) your spoken argument.
6
In the exam, use sources as evidence not crutches
The exam essay rewards using sources to support YOUR argument — not the reverse. Lead with your claim, then pull in source evidence. Never let a source do your thinking for you.
Research & Study Resources
16-Week Score 5 Study Plan
Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4)
Research Foundations
- Practice SIFT and CRAAP on 5 different sources per week
- Develop 3 candidate research questions for your IRP
- Learn MLA and APA citation format — practice citing 10 different source types
- Read one scholarly article and analyze its argument structure
Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8)
Argument and Evidence
- Map arguments using the Toulmin model for 3 different articles
- Write one 500-word argument paragraph with claim/evidence/warrant
- Identify and correct 5 logical fallacies in real media sources
- Draft your IRP thesis and get feedback from Prof. Layla
Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12)
IRP Writing + Team Project
- Write IRP draft sections: introduction, body paragraphs, counterargument
- Practice oral presentation for 8 minutes with visual aid
- Team project: assign roles, develop shared research question, divide sources
- Peer review: exchange drafts and give structured feedback
Phase 4 (Weeks 13–16)
Exam Preparation + Finals
- Practice 2 timed exam essays using provided source sets
- Deliver full practice IRP presentation with Q&A
- Finalize team project; rehearse individual defense responses
- Review: polish IRP and TPP submissions for final submission
Ask Prof. Layla — Your AP Seminar Tutor
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