Key Terms

Question 1

perspective

Answer 1

a point of view expressed through an argument

ex. From a legal standpoint, Adnan Syed must be freed because his case is an example of a flawed investigation and a wrongful conviction

Question 2

claim

Answer 2

a statement about an issue that asserts a perspective

eg. Adnan Syed’s conviction was based on unreliable evidence

Question 3

validity

Answer 3

the extent to which an argument or claim is logical

Question 4

evidence

Answer 4

information (eg data, quotation, excerpts from texts) used to support a claim

FACTS = evidence
eg. incoming calls to a cell phone may or may not use the closest cell tower while outgoing calls ping the closest tower

Question 5

commentary

Answer 5

discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends and/or explain relationships

eg. The state’s main witness about the cell phone data later admitted that the records cannot reliably prove Syed was in Leakin Park

Question 6

credibility statement/validity of source

Answer 6

a statement that gives credibility

eg According to Jacob Sullivan, an economist for the US Department of Labor,