alignment
Cohesion between the focus of an inquiry, the method of collecting information, the process of analysis of the information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus
argument
A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence
assumption
A belief regarded as true and often unstated
bias
A personal opinion, belief, or value that may influence one's judgment, perspective, or claim
claim
A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective
commentary
Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends, and/or explain relationships
complex issue
Issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood in order to address it
concession
Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view
conclusion
Understanding resulting from analysis of evidence
context
The intent, audience, purpose, bias, situatedness, and/or background (larger environment) of a source or reference
counterargument
An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence
credibility
The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy
cross-curricular
Goes beyond the traditional boundary of a single content area or discipline
deductive
A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions that are supported with evidence or cases
evidence
Information (e.g., data, quotations, excerpts from texts) used as proof to support a claim or thesis
implication
A possible future effect or result
inductive
A type of reasoning that presents cases or evidence that lead to a logical conclusion
inquiry
A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through a study, research investigation, or artistic endeavor/work
interdisciplinary
Involving two or more areas of knowledge
issue
Important problem for debate or discussion
lens
Filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined
limitation
A boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid
line of reasoning
Arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion
literature
The foundational and current texts of a field or discipline of study
perspective
A point of view conveyed through an argument
plagiarism
Failure to acknowledge, attribute, and/or cite any ideas or evidence taken from another source
primary source
An original source of information about a topic (e.g., study, artifact, data set, interview, article)
qualification
A condition or exception
qualitative
Having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions
quantitative
Having to do with numbers, amounts, or quantities
rebuttal
Contradicting an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence
refutation
Disproving an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims or counterevidence
reliability
The extent to which something can be trusted to be accurate
resolution
The act of solving a problem or dispute
scaffolding
The provision of temporary structured support for students to aid skill development
sequencing
The organization of curriculum content into an order which progresses from simple to more complex
solution
A means of answering a question or addressing a problem or issue
text
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
thesis
A claim or position on an issue or topic put forward and supported by evidence
tone
The way in which an author expresses an attitude about his or her topic or subject through rhetorical choices
validity
The extent to which an argument or claim is logical
vocal variety
Changing vocal characteristics (e.g., pitch, volume, speed) in order to emphasize ideas, convey emotion or opinion, or achieve other specific purposes
author
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
conventions
The stylistic features of writing (e.g., grammar, usage, mechanics)
secondary source
A commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight, opinions, and/or interpretation about the primary source data, study, or artifacts
point of view
A position or standpoint on a topic or issue
fallacy
Evidence or reasoning that is false or in error