AP Seminar Performace Task 2: Citations, Writing Style and Peer Review

Summary

This instructional video focuses on the essentials of academic writing, emphasizing the importance of consistent and accurate citations to establish credibility. It reviews different citation styles, such as APA and MLA, and stresses the need for citing while writing to avoid inconsistencies. The video also addresses grammar and style, advising on maintaining an academic tone without being overly wordy. Peer review is highlighted as a crucial strategy for refining the paper, with tips on providing actionable feedback. The speaker encourages viewers to reflect on their writing, ensuring clarity of communication and adherence to the rubric.

Takeaways

• 📚 Good writers attribute sources consistently throughout their academic work to establish credibility.
• 🤔 Reflect on your essay to ensure it communicates your ideas and those of others effectively.
• 🔍 For detailed help with citations, quoting, paraphrasing, and academic voice, refer to AP Daily videos on AP Classroom.
• 📝 Cite as you go to avoid producing sloppy scholarship and maintain consistency in citations.
• 📊 Understand the scoring criteria for citations, which range from no bibliography or in-text citations (0 points) to very few flaws and consistent citations (5 points).
• 📈 Consistency in citation style is key; do not change your reference style midway through your academic year.
• 🔑 In-text citations should clearly indicate the source and allow readers to find the full citation in the bibliography.
• 📖 Cite when directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing to give credit to the original source of ideas.
• ✍️ Refrain from neglecting grammar and style; it can affect the credibility of your work.
• 🎯 High-scoring papers not only have few grammar and style errors but also exhibit an elevated writing style that enhances the message.
• 👀 Peer review is a valuable strategy for getting feedback and improving your paper; avoid generic praise and seek actionable commentary.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is on citations, transitions, and modeling peer review in academic writing.

Why is it important for writers to attribute sources consistently?

It is important for writers to attribute sources consistently to establish their credibility as a writer and to ensure that they are using trustworthy sources.

What does the video suggest about reflecting on one's writing?

The video suggests that reflecting on one's writing is important to ensure that the essay clearly communicates the writer's ideas as well as the ideas of others.

What is the purpose of peer review in the context of this video?

The purpose of peer review in this context is to use it as a strategy to ensure that the message of the essay is being communicated effectively.

What does the video recommend for citing sources in academic writing?

The video recommends citing sources as you go while writing, rather than adding them afterwards, to avoid producing sloppy scholarship and inconsistencies.

What are the different scoring criteria for citations mentioned in the video?

The different scoring criteria for citations mentioned in the video are a score of zero points for missing a bibliography or in-text citations, three points for some uniformity but occasional unclear references or errors, and five points for very few flaws and consistent citations.

Why should one not change their citation style midway through the school year?

One should not change their citation style midway through the school year because consistency is key; it is important to maintain the same style throughout the year.

What are the two popular citation styles shown in the video?

The two popular citation styles shown in the video are APA and MLA.

What is the importance of grammar and style in academic writing according to the video?

According to the video, grammar and style are important in academic writing as they contribute to the credibility of the writer and the effectiveness of the communication.

What does the video suggest about the use of elevated language in academic writing?

The video suggests that while an academic tone is encouraged, it is possible to overdo it by being too wordy or using words that don't fit the tone of the argument, which can complicate communication.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid in peer review according to the video?

Some common pitfalls to avoid in peer review according to the video are complimenting without specificity and responding defensively to criticism.

What type of feedback is considered effective in peer review as per the video?

Effective peer review provides actionable commentary that offers suggestions leading to an improved paper.

What should one focus on when reviewing a paper for peer review?

When reviewing a paper for peer review, one should focus on following the rubric, making sure the paper aligns with the task requirements, and checking for consistent citations, among other things.

What are some final steps suggested in the video for revising an academic paper?

The final steps suggested in the video for revising an academic paper include checking for consistent citations, sharing the paper with a classmate for peer review, and revising and improving the paper based on the feedback received.