AP English Language AMSCO Guided Notes

6.2: Considering and Accounting for New Evidence

How does the consideration of new evidence influence an already-established thesis or line of reasoning?

I. Consideration and Use of New Evidence

1. How can new evidence lead writers to revise their thesis statement or line of reasoning?

2. What is the relationship between the 'unending conversation' metaphor and how arguments evolve?

A. Revising a Thesis Statement or a Line of Reasoning

1. How did the discovery of radium's harmful effects change scientific claims and lead to new laws?

2. Why should writers hold their thesis statements loosely during the research process?

3. What is a hasty generalization and how does it weaken an argument?

4. How did the student's revised claim about lowering the voting age account for conflicting evidence about the D.C. City Council?

5. What role do limitations play in qualifying a revised claim?

Key Terms

line of reasoning

thesis statement