6 Building Historical Arguments Free Online FlashCards

What makes an argument historical?

A historical argument is a reasoned answer to a question about the past, supported by evidence and an explanation of how that evidence supports the interpretation.

What makes a historical question useful?

A useful historical question invites explanation or judgment rather than a one-word answer.

Why doesn't chronology alone prove causation?

Chronology establishes the sequence of events, but sequence alone does not prove that one event caused another.

What is a historical claim?

A claim, or thesis, is an argument’s central answer to its historical question.

What is a primary source?

A primary source was created during the period being studied. Examples include letters, laws, photographs, speeches, maps, and records.

What should you examine when evaluating a historical source?

Consider who created the source, when and where, its purpose and audience, the creator’s perspective and context, and what it leaves out.

What does reasoning do in a historical argument?

Reasoning connects evidence to a claim by explaining what the evidence suggests and why that inference is justified.

How should an argument handle counterevidence?

Assess complicating evidence fairly. You may narrow the claim, distinguish among groups or periods, or explain why some evidence is more relevant.

How can you make a historical question manageable?

Narrow a question to a manageable time, place, group, or issue so the investigation has a clear focus.

What is one test of a defensible historical claim?

A defensible claim is specific enough to support with evidence and broad enough to answer the question. A reasonable reader could disagree about it.

What is a secondary source?

A secondary source interprets the past using evidence and earlier scholarship.

Does a source's primary or secondary status always stay the same?

Whether a source is primary or secondary depends on the question being asked.