Tian2 田二
Library AP Research Unit 2: Presentation and Oral Defense
⁂   AP Research · Unit 2

2. Presentation and Oral Defense

25–25% of the AP exam. Key topics: Structuring a 15–20-minute scholarly research presentation for a teacher-convened panel, Communicating the research question, methodology, and conclusion clearly in the opening (Row 1: Research Design), Presenting a logically organized argument that identifies and explains the consequences and implications of the research conclusion (Row 2: Establish Argument), Reflecting on how the steps of the research process led to personal intellectual conclusions (Row 3: Reflect), Audience engagement: selection and dynamic execution of design and delivery techniques including eye contact, vocal variety, visual design, and pacing (Row 4: Engage Audience), Oral defense question types: (a) research/inquiry process — justifying methodology choices over alternatives; (b) depth of understanding — providing specific details relating to the new understanding; (c) reflection throughout the process — explaining personal learning and growth, 7-row oral defense rubric: scoring dimensions, point scales (0–2, 0–3, or 0–6 per row), and 24-point total, Score-0 conditions: below-minimum quality on any row; off-topic responses on Rows 5, 6, or 7, Teacher scoring protocol: single live viewing; mandatory College Board rubric training required, May 10 teacher submission deadline for oral defense scores and checkpoint affirmations via AP Digital Portfolio.

25–25% exam weight standard track

Unit 2: Presentation and Oral Defense

Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.

Topics in this unit

  • Structuring a 15–20-minute scholarly research presentation for a teacher-convened panel
  • Communicating the research question, methodology, and conclusion clearly in the opening (Row 1: Research Design)
  • Presenting a logically organized argument that identifies and explains the consequences and implications of the research conclusion (Row 2: Establish Argument)
  • Reflecting on how the steps of the research process led to personal intellectual conclusions (Row 3: Reflect)
  • Audience engagement: selection and dynamic execution of design and delivery techniques including eye contact, vocal variety, visual design, and pacing (Row 4: Engage Audience)
  • Oral defense question types: (a) research/inquiry process — justifying methodology choices over alternatives; (b) depth of understanding — providing specific details relating to the new understanding; (c) reflection throughout the process — explaining personal learning and growth
  • 7-row oral defense rubric: scoring dimensions, point scales (0–2, 0–3, or 0–6 per row), and 24-point total
  • Score-0 conditions: below-minimum quality on any row; off-topic responses on Rows 5, 6, or 7
  • Teacher scoring protocol: single live viewing; mandatory College Board rubric training required
  • May 10 teacher submission deadline for oral defense scores and checkpoint affirmations via AP Digital Portfolio