Primary v. Secondary Sources

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What is a primary source?

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A primary source is an original document or firsthand account that has not been altered or analyzed by others. Examples include diaries, photographs, and original research.

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What is a secondary source?

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A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. Examples include textbooks, articles analyzing primary sources, and biographies.

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Give an example of a primary source.

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An example of a primary source is the diary of Anne Frank, which provides a firsthand account of her experiences during the Holocaust.

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Give an example of a secondary source.

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An example of a secondary source is a magazine article analyzing the impact of the Revolutionary War.

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What type of source is a newspaper article reporting on an event that happened yesterday?

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A primary source, as it provides a firsthand account of a recent event.

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What type of source is a documentary film about World War II?

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A secondary source, as it analyzes and presents information based on primary sources.

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What is the main difference between primary and secondary sources?

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The main difference is that primary sources are original materials, while secondary sources interpret or analyze those materials.

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Why are primary sources important in research?

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Primary sources provide direct evidence and firsthand accounts, allowing researchers to form their own interpretations and conclusions.

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What type of source is a textbook?

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A secondary source, as it summarizes and analyzes information from primary sources.

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What type of source is a photograph taken during a historical event?

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A primary source, as it captures a moment in time directly related to the event.