Glossary of Common School Terms

A short summary of a longer paper or report. It appears at the beginning and gives readers a quick overview of what the document is about.

The commitment to being honest in all academic work. This means not cheating, not plagiarizing, and not misrepresenting your work.

An official recognition that a school or program meets a set quality standard. Attending an accredited school ensures your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions.

A list of sources with a short description and evaluation of each one. It is like a regular bibliography, but with a paragraph after each entry explaining what the source covers and why it is useful.

College-level courses offered in high school. Students who score well on the AP exam at the end of the year may receive college credit.

In writing, an argument is a claim backed up with evidence and reasoning. It is not just an opinion - it must be supported.

Any method used to measure a student's learning. This includes tests, quizzes, projects, essays, and presentations.

A list of all the sources you used in a paper or project. It appears at the end of the document and follows a specific format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).

The main sections of an essay that come after the introduction. Each body paragraph develops one point or piece of evidence that supports your thesis.

A reference to a source you used in your writing. It gives credit to the original author and lets readers find the source themselves.

A group of students who start and progress through a program together. You might hear "our cohort" in college programs where the same students take most classes together.

The final section of an essay or paper. It restates the main argument, summarizes the key points, and leaves the reader with a final thought.

The work assigned in a course throughout the semester - assignments, projects, and papers. Different from exams, which test knowledge at a specific point.

A unit that measures the time spent in class per week. A 3-credit course typically meets for 3 hours per week. Credits add up toward a degree requirement.

The full set of courses and educational content offered by a school or program. The curriculum defines what students are expected to learn.

The date and time by which work must be submitted. Missing a deadline often results in grade penalties, so always track them carefully.

An academic honor given to students who achieve a high GPA in a semester. Requirements vary by school, but it is typically a 3.5 GPA or above.

A long, original research document completed for a doctoral degree. It presents new research and findings in a specific field.

A course you choose to take that is not required for your major or program. Electives let you explore subjects outside your main area of study.

Facts, data, quotes, or examples used to support a claim in an essay or argument. Good evidence is relevant, reliable, and clearly connected to your point.

A formal test, usually covering a significant portion of course material. Exams are often weighted more heavily than regular assignments.

Comments or corrections given by a teacher on your work. Feedback is meant to help you improve, so reading it carefully is worth your time.

A comprehensive exam given at the end of a semester, covering all or most of the course material from the term.

A note placed at the bottom of a page that provides additional information or a citation. Used frequently in Chicago and Turabian citation styles.

A number that represents your overall academic performance. It is calculated by averaging your grade points across all courses, weighted by credit hours. See our GPA Calculator.

As a noun, someone who has completed a degree. As an adjective, it refers to advanced study beyond a bachelor's degree (graduate school, graduate program).

A guide that explains exactly how an assignment will be graded. It lists what you need to include and how many points each part is worth. Always ask for one if it is not provided.

A more challenging academic track within a school, offering advanced courses and special opportunities for students who meet certain GPA requirements.

A testable prediction or educated guess made before conducting an experiment. A hypothesis is tested and either supported or rejected based on the results.

A temporary grade given when a student cannot finish coursework due to circumstances beyond their control. The student must complete the work within a set time period.

The opening section of an essay or paper. It introduces the topic, provides background, and ends with the thesis statement.

A written document summarizing a science experiment. It typically includes sections for the purpose, method, results, and conclusion.

A clear statement of what students should know or be able to do by the end of a lesson or course. Teachers design assessments around these objectives.

A section of a research paper that summarizes existing research on a topic. It shows what is already known and where gaps in knowledge exist.

The primary subject area a college student focuses on. It requires completing a specific set of courses in that field.

A secondary area of study that requires fewer courses than a major. Students often pair a minor with a major that complements it.

A citation style developed by the Modern Language Association. It is commonly used in English and humanities courses. Each source is listed in a Works Cited page at the end.

Set times when a teacher or professor is available for one-on-one meetings. These are for asking questions, getting feedback, or discussing concerns about a course.

A structured plan for a paper or project, listing the main points and subpoints before you start writing. A good outline makes the writing process much faster.

A process where classmates read and give feedback on each other's work before submission. In research, it also refers to the process where experts evaluate published studies.

Using someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit. It is considered academic dishonesty and can result in serious consequences, including failing a course.

A course you must complete before enrolling in a more advanced course. For example, Algebra is often a prerequisite for Pre-Calculus.

An original, firsthand source of information - such as a diary, photograph, interview, or original research study. Compare with secondary source.

See Grading Rubric. A scoring guide that details the criteria and point values for an assignment.

Standardized college admissions tests used in the US. The SAT is produced by the College Board. The ACT is produced by ACT, Inc. Many colleges accept either score.

A source that analyzes, interprets, or summarizes primary sources. A textbook chapter about World War II is a secondary source; a soldier's diary from that era is a primary source.

One of the two main terms in a school year, typically 15-18 weeks long. Some schools use quarters (four terms) or trimesters (three terms) instead.

A document given at the start of a course that outlines the topics, assignments, deadlines, grading policy, and rules. Always read the syllabus carefully on day one.

A major research paper assigned over the course of a semester. It typically requires multiple sources, a clear argument, and a formal citation format.

A sentence (or two) near the end of your introduction that states your main argument or claim. Every body paragraph in your essay should connect back to the thesis.

An official record of all the courses you have taken and the grades you received. Schools and employers often request transcripts when you apply.

A person who provides one-on-one academic help outside of regular class time. Many schools offer free tutoring through learning centers.

In science experiments, a variable is something that can change. The independent variable is what you change intentionally. The dependent variable is what you measure. Controlled variables are kept the same throughout.