Glossary (P)

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A B C D E F H I L M N O P Q R S T V W
Term Description
paraphrase

Rewording the content of someone else’s work without changing the meaning in a shortened and sometimes easier to understand way.
see reference
compare quotation; summary
pattern notes

Notes that start developing from a central heading and working out in several directions in a branching tree like structure.
compare linear notes; nuclear notes
peak performance

A goal to work towards. Your best possible performance requires a well-rounded strategy, positive attitude, strong motivation, self-awareness and attention to your physical needs.
percentage

The number of occurrences in each 100 instances.
person specification

The skills, experience and qualifications that a job candidate must have in order to complete the tasks of a position offered by an employer.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a structured, reflective process which gives individuals greater insight into their own development.
personal statement

A statement of your skills, experience, qualities and personal attributes.
plagiarism

Using someone else’s work as if it were your own, by paraphrasing or quoting without giving a full reference for where you found the information.
see document; source
compare original work
see also paraphrase; quotation; summary
planning

Thinking ahead and organising, for example when preparing to write an essay or report.
position

An opinion or a point of view adopted by a writer or speaker. In academic study, a position must be supported by evidence or examples and reasoned argument.
see also argument; evidence; example
premise

A concept or idea used as the basis of an argument. A well-founded premise can be described as ‘sound’, and an unreliable premise as ‘false’.
see also argument; flawed reasoning; line of reasoning; proposition 
progress file

A file in which you keep relevant information and personal reflections on your development.
proposition

A statement presented as true and as a premise for a future argument.
see also argument; line of reasoning; premise
protein

Proteins help the human body to function properly and are the basis of body structures such as muscle, skin and hair. Foods rich in protein include eggs, meat, fish, cheese, pulses, nuts and tofu. 
see also carbohydrate