Answer :
In the provided passage, the historian is engaging in the historical thinking skill of "Making and evaluating arguments and interpretations."
Here's a breakdown of why this is the most suitable choice:
1. The historian is reviewing his colleagues' books about early African states. This indicates that he is examining different arguments and interpretations presented in those works.
2. By summarizing the findings in these works and offering his own opinions on their significance, the historian is not only evaluating the arguments made by others but also making his own arguments based on those interpretations.
3. This process involves critical thinking, analysis of various perspectives, and the formulation of one's own viewpoint based on the evidence presented by other historians.
Therefore, the historian's actions align with the skill of making and evaluating arguments and interpretations in the field of historiography. This skill is essential for historians to contribute to the ongoing conversation and debate within their field, ultimately advancing our understanding of historical events and contexts.
