AP Seminar
Performance Task 1
Individual Research Report (IRR)
2020 Scoring Commentaries
© 2020 College Board
Sample C
Biodiversity Loss and Its Effects on Sustainability
Sample Scores: 4, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2
Row 1: Understand and Analyze Context
The response earned 4 points in Row 1 because it identifies a topic in the title and, in the introduction,
appears to narrow the focus to the Amazon Rainforest. The bibliography is well-populated with
academic sources. The report makes clear the significance of the issue. However, the body of the report
does not limit the report to the Amazon and does not sustain a focus: It moves to loss of species,
invasive species, medicine, ocean life, adequate food and water, expansion of cities, and more (the list
continues as the report unfolds, with each new sentence or two bringing a new idea about biodiversity
loss or sustainability in the world). Finally, the report develops by touching lightly on many facets of the
topic, with the result that no single facet is explored in depth.
Row 2: Understand and Analyze Argument
The response earned 4 points in Row 2 because analysis, where present, only generally traces the logic
(e.g., on p. 2, “This shows just how big of an impact building roads or cities is to the species that are
inhabiting the area. In order to prevent this, people need to be aware of their surroundings”). On
occasion, analysis repeats rather than develops. In some places, the report does not clearly mark what is
paraphrase of source material and what is the candidate’s own analysis of reasoning.
Row 3: Evaluate Sources and Evidence
The response earned 4 points in Row 3 because it does partially rely on well-chosen sources from peer-
reviewed journals. However, there is some evidence that all sources are treated equally (e.g., On the
bottom of p. 1, top of p. 2, information from a policy and research institute “promoting sustainable
development” is treated the same as information from an academic source). In some places, it is not
clear whence the information is derived.
Row 4: Understand and Analyze Perspective
The response earned 4 points in Row 4 because perspectives are only generally linked (e.g., “Implanting
all these oaks also makes up for a major effect of biodiversity loss which is deforestation. Deforestation
takes away homes of many species”). In the second and third paragraphs, different sources are used
predominantly to list issues or solutions and are simply juxtaposed, rather than placed in conversation
(e.g., Roe and Lakicevic in paragraph 2, or the two Acts in paragraph 3). At times perspectives are not
tethered to particular sources.
Row 5: Apply Conventions (Citation and Attribution)
The response earned 2 points in Row 5 because, while citation format is mostly consistent, there are
missing sources (Cai, Nicols, & Rosot) and missing elements (e.g., the publisher for Grove-Fanning book
is EBSCOhost; there is no title for the journal in which the Rendekova source appears).