We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your . This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.ย Unlock Cram Modeย for access to our cram eventsโstudents who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions.
Format of the 2024 AP Seminar Exam
Going into test day, this is the exam format to expect:ย
Team Project and Presentation (20% of score)- - Team: 3โ5 people- - Objective- - Create a multimedia presentation that communicates your conclusion or recommendations after identifying, investigating, analyzing, and evaluating an academic or real-world problem, question, or issue. - - Evaluated Components:- - Individual research-based essay (1,200 words), which is scored by College Board (50% of section score)- - Team multimedia presentation and defense (8โ10 minutes), which is scored by your teacher (50% of section score)
Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation (35% of score)- - (provided by College Board)- - It will represent a variety of perspectives regarding a single or topic- - You will create your own research question using these texts and then research, analyze, and evaluate evidence to develop your own argument and defend your conclusion- - Evaluated Components:- - (2,000 words), which is scored by College Board (70% of section score)- - Individual multimedia presentation (6โ8 minutes), which is scored by your teacher (20% of section score)- - Oral defense (2 questions from the teacher), which is scored by your teacher (10% of section score)
(45% of score)- - 4 questions in 2 hours- - 3 (30% of section score)- - based on a single source- - explain and analyze an argument- - 1 (70% of section score)- - based on 4 different sources on 1 theme- - synthesize information and create an evidence-based argument
Scoring Rubric for the 2024 AP Seminar exam
Courtesy of College Board
Individual Research Report (30 points total)
(0, 2, 4, or 6 points)
Getting full points
Understands complexities of a problem or issue (the topic should not be too broad)
Draws from multiple sources (some are academic/scholarly sources)
Shows the significance to a larger context (explain why the problem or issue is important)
College Board will check the research context in the title, first paragraphs, and Bibliography/Works Cited.
(0, 2, 4, or 6 points)
Getting full points
Understands reasoning and validity of the sources' arguments (direct explanation or through using the reasoning and conclusions)
Provide commentary that shows an understanding of the authorsโ reasoning, using sourcesโ reasoning to draw conclusions
College Board will check that references are made to arguments from sources (often appears at the end of paragraphs or following an in-text citation)
(0, 2, 4, or 6 points)
Getting full points
Uses relevant evidence from credible sources.
Demonstrates evaluation of the credibility of the sources and selects relevant evidence from the sources. This can be shown through direct explanation or purposeful use.
Makes purposeful use of sources, beyond just a description in the attribution
(0, 2, 4, or 6 points)
Getting full points
Draws explicit and relevant connections from various perspectives.
Uses different sources to explain specific relationships/ connections among different perspectives, beyond just identifying
The organization of paragraphs and headings is a way of grouping perspectives. Transitions indicate connections between perspectives.
(0, 1, 2, or 3 points)
Getting full points
Attributes and cites sources accurately.
The bibliography has a consistent style.
Contains few flaws
Internal citations match the bibliography
Clear and consistent attributive phrases and/or in-text parenthetical citations.
If key components of citations (like author/organization, title publication, and date) are missing consistently, then the full 3 points canโt be earned.
(0, 1, 2, or 3 points)
Getting full points
Communication is clear to the reader
Style is appropriate for an academic audience consistently
Contains few flaws
Sufficient word choice
Clear prose
Individual Written Argument (48 points total)
Stimulus (0 or 5 points)
Getting full points
The relevance of at least ONE of the stimulus materials to the argument by integrating it as part of the response. (For example, as providing relevant context for the research question, or as evidence to support relevant claims.)
An accurate understanding of the source AND understanding of its context (Ex. date, region, topic) AND a reference to the source
Larger Context (0 or 5 points)
Getting full points
Explains the importance of the research question within a larger context.
Specific and relevant details for all elements of the research question AND shows the sense of urgency or establishes the importance of the research question
The context is usually found in the first few paragraphs
Multiple Perspectives (0, 6, or 9 points)
Getting full points
Evaluates multiple perspectives (draws relevant connections between them and considers objections, implications, and limitations).
Demonstrates agreement or disagreement among perspectives (ex. evaluate strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives
(0, 8, or 12 points)
Getting full points
Clear and convincing argument.
Logically organized and well-reasoned response
Connecting claims to evidence
The conclusion is well-aligned to the research question (details assess plausibility, limitations, and implications of conclusion/solution)
The commentary fully explains how the evidence supports claims
Bring in alternate views, developing a nuanced understanding
(0, 6, or 9 points)
Getting full points
Relevant, credible, and sufficient evidence that supports the argument.
Connects evidence to argument effectively.
Purposeful analysis and evaluation of evidence, not just a reference.
Relevant evidence from several scholarly works (peer-reviewed, credentialed authors, independently verified, primary sources).
Citing (0, 3, or 5 points)
Getting full points
Attributes and cites sources accurately.
The bibliography has a consistent style.
Contains few flaws
Internal citations match the bibliography
Clear and consistent attributive phrases and/or in-text parenthetical citations.
If key components of citations (like author/organization, title publication, and date) are missing consistently, then the full 5 points canโt be earned.
Written Style (0, 2, or 3 points)
Getting full points
Effective sentences
Precise word choice
Appropriate for an academic audience
Few errors in grammar and style
Clear prose (academic tone)
Clear communication of complex ideas
3 Short Answer Questions (15 points each)
Authorโs Argument (3 points max)
Accurately identifies the authorโs argument
Authorโs (6 points max)
Gives a thorough explanation of the ; clearly explains connections among relevant claims
Sources and Evidence (6 points max)
Evaluates the relevance and credibility of the evidence; explains how well the evidence supports the authorโs argument
1 Essay Question (24 points total)
Theme (6 points max)
Identifies a theme/issue that connects the provided sources
Connects the provided sources through a perspective different from the ones in the sources OR insightful approach OR strong thematic connection between perspectives.
Line of reasoning (6 points max)
Logically organized and well-developed
The commentary explains the evidence and connects it to claims to further an argument.
Evidence (6 points max)
Synthesizes relevant information from at least TWO of the provided sources to support the argument.
Conventions (6 points max)
Clear communication to reader AND effective integration and attribution of sources to develop an argument
Few errors in grammar and style
Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP Seminar exam.
When is the 2024 AP Seminar exam and how do I take it?
**The exam is on paper, in school, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm, your local time.ย **
April 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. ET) is the deadline for AP Seminar students to submitย performance tasks as final and their presentations to be scored by their AP Seminar teachers.
How should I prepare for the exam?
First, download theย AP Seminar Cheatsheet PDFย - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions viaย Cram Mode. Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.
Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment
Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.
๐ฅ Create a study space.
Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space.ย
๐ Organize your study materials.
Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!
๐ Plan designated times for studying.
The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.
๐ Decide on an accountability plan.
How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!
AP Seminar 2024 Study Plan
The following study guides will help you gain a greater understanding of the AP Seminar tasks and rubrics!ย
๐คจ Big Idea 1: Question and Explore
Big Idea (BI) 1 is the first of the major themes of AP Seminar. You can sort of think of the BIs as the framework for the course that covers the main things that you will be doing and the ways that you will go about completing the Performance Tasks (PTs) and EoC.ย
Question and Explore refers to a lot of the preliminary tasks that you'll be completing when starting a PT, or even just a simple assignment. Questioning the world and exploring interesting ๐ง topics is part of what makes AP Seminar such a compelling class.ย
You as the student have the opportunity to explore areas that you find interesting. While this seems easy, there are correct ways to go about asking questions and exploring.
Big Idea 2 is something that you will be spending a lot of time with so you want to be well-informed on the parts that make it up. The main ideas of BI 2 all center around sources and how you use them. A big part of what you will be doing in Seminar is collecting sources and analyzing them.
Big Idea 3 is focused on understanding ๐ค the complexity of an issue by looking at the multiple viewpoints ๐ that people have on it. Understandably, this Big Idea may seem smaller compared to something like BI 2, however, BI 3 does hold an important place in Seminar.ย
Big Idea 4 covers the crucial act of taking all of your evidence and claims and turning them into one coherent argument ๐ฃ๏ธ In a lot of ways, this is the most important thing you do in AP Seminar. Yes, you gather evidence and think about arguments and perspectives, but at the end of the day you have to actually do something with them.
Think about it like this: if you want to build a house ๐ , you need to gather all of the instructions on how to build ๐ ๏ธ it. Then, you need to get all of the tools and supplies to put it together. But, if you stop there, you won't have a house. You have all the supplies and knowledge, but no house. You have to build the darn thing. That is what BI 4 is all aboutโbuilding the house.
Analyzing Argument: Analyzing argument involves critically examining the structure, rhetorical strategies, and persuasive techniques employed in an argumentative text or speech.
AP Seminar Exam: The AP Seminar Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students' skills in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation. It consists of two parts: a written exam and a team project and presentation.
Author's Argument: The author's argument is the main point or claim that they are trying to make in a piece of writing. It is their central idea or position on a particular topic.
Author's Line of Reasoning: The author's line of reasoning refers to how they develop and support their main argument throughout their writing. It includes the logical connections and evidence they use to persuade readers.
Big Idea 2: Understand and Analyze: This term refers to the ability to comprehend and examine information in a critical and thoughtful manner, identifying key components, relationships, and implications.
Big Idea 3: Evaluate Multiple Perspectives: This term refers to considering different viewpoints on a given topic or issue, examining their strengths, weaknesses, biases, and implications in order to form an informed opinion.
Big Idea 4: Synthesize Ideas: This term refers to combining different sources of information, ideas, or arguments into a coherent whole by identifying connections, patterns, themes, or trends.
Big Idea 5: Team, Transform, and Transmit: Big Idea 5 refers to the concept of working collaboratively in a team to analyze and address complex issues, transforming information into meaningful solutions, and effectively communicating those solutions to others.
Citing: Citing refers to giving credit to the original source(s) of information used in an academic work. It involves providing accurate references or citations for quotes, paraphrases, data, images, or any other material borrowed from another author.
End of Course Exam: Short Answer and Long Essay: The End of Course Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students' understanding and application of course content. It consists of both short answer questions, which require concise responses, and long essay questions, which demand in-depth analysis.
End-of-Course Exam: An end-of-course exam is a comprehensive assessment administered at the end of a course to evaluate students' understanding of the subject matter. It covers all the key concepts and skills taught throughout the course.
Essay question: An essay question is a type of prompt that requires students to provide a written response, typically in paragraph or essay format, to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of a given topic.
Establish Argument: Establishing an argument involves presenting a clear position or claim on a given topic supported by logical reasoning. It requires providing evidence, examples, and analysis to persuade others of the validity of your viewpoint.
Evaluating Sources and Evidence: Evaluating sources and evidence involves assessing the reliability, credibility, relevance, and accuracy of information used in arguments.
Individual Research Report: An individual research report is a written document that presents findings from independent research conducted by a student. It typically involves investigating a specific topic, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on the research.
Individual Written Argument: An individual written argument is a piece of writing in which a student presents their own perspective on a given topic or issue, supported by evidence and reasoning. It allows students to showcase their critical thinking skills and ability to construct a well-structured argument.
Line of Reasoning: A line of reasoning is a logical progression of ideas or arguments that supports a claim or thesis. It involves connecting evidence and reasoning to form a coherent and persuasive argument.
Multiple Perspectives: Multiple perspectives refers to considering different viewpoints or opinions on a given topic or issue. It involves recognizing that there can be various valid interpretations or understandings of a situation.
Scoring Rubric: A scoring rubric is a set of criteria or guidelines used by teachers or examiners to evaluate and assign scores or grades to student work. It provides clear expectations for what constitutes high-quality performance on an assignment.
Select and Use Evidence: Selecting and using evidence involves choosing relevant information or data to support a claim or argument. It requires evaluating the credibility, reliability, and relevance of sources to strengthen the validity of your position.
Short-answer questions: Short-answer questions require concise written responses that demonstrate understanding of specific content knowledge. They typically require more than just one-word answers but are shorter than essay-style questions.
Stimulus Texts: Stimulus texts are written or visual sources that provide information and context for a specific topic or question. They are used to support arguments, analyze data, and develop ideas in academic writing.
Theme: A theme is a universal message or lesson about life that can be found in a piece of literature. It goes beyond just summarizing what happens in a story and explores deeper meanings and insights.
Understand and Analyze Perspective: Understanding and analyzing perspective involves examining different viewpoints or ways of looking at a topic or issue. It requires considering the beliefs, values, experiences, and biases that shape how individuals or groups perceive and interpret information.
Understanding Argument: Understanding argument refers to the ability to comprehend and interpret the main claims, supporting evidence, and reasoning presented in a piece of writing or speech.
Written Style: Written style refers to the way an author uses language and structures sentences in written communication. It encompasses elements such as tone, word choice, sentence structure, organization, and overall writing technique.
ยฉ 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.