Primary & Secondary Source Skills

Front

Example of a primary source

Back

Diary or Journal entry from a Civil War soldier

Answer explanation

A diary entry from a Civil War soldier is a primary source as it provides firsthand accounts and perspectives from someone who experienced the event directly.

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Primary Source Definition

Back

Original document or object from the time under study.

Answer explanation

A primary source is an original document or physical object created during the time under study, distinguishing it from other sources.

Front

Secondary source example

Back

Biography of Abraham Lincoln (2020)

Answer explanation

The correct choice is a biography of Abraham Lincoln written in 2020 because it is a source that interprets or analyzes primary sources, making it a secondary source.

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Importance of evaluating sources

Back

Verify accuracy and credibility

Answer explanation

Evaluating the reliability of sources is important to verify the accuracy and credibility of the information provided.

Front

Historical context of a primary source

Back

Time period and circumstances of creation

Answer explanation

The historical context of a primary source refers to the time period and circumstances in which the source was created, providing insight into its significance and relevance.

Front

Letter by soldier during Vietnam War

Back

Primary source

Answer explanation

A letter written by a soldier during the Vietnam War is considered a primary source as it provides firsthand accounts and original information.

Front

Factors for evaluating source reliability

Back

NOT a factor: Length of the source

Answer explanation

The length of the source is NOT a factor to consider when evaluating the reliability of a source.

Front

Primary source for American colonists' lifestyles

Back

Painting from the 1700s

Answer explanation

A painting from the 1700s depicting daily life would be considered a primary source as it directly shows the lifestyle of American colonists during that time period.

Front

Primary vs Secondary Sources

Back

Primary: created during the time studied; Secondary: analyze and interpret primary sources.

Answer explanation

Primary sources are created during the time being studied, while secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources.

Front

Reason to avoid Myth/Legend sources

Back

Not always true

Answer explanation

Traditional viewpoints are not alway reliable or accurate or historically factual.