Firsthand vs. Secondhand Accounts

Front

What is a firsthand account?

Back

A firsthand account is a direct description or report of an event from someone who experienced it personally.

Front

What is a secondhand account?

Back

A secondhand account is a description or report of an event from someone who did not experience it directly, often based on someone else's experiences.

Front

Give an example of a firsthand account.

Back

An autobiography where the author shares their own life experiences.

Front

Give an example of a secondhand account.

Back

A newspaper article written by a journalist about an event they did not witness.

Front

How can you identify a firsthand account?

Back

Look for personal experiences, emotions, and direct observations from the author.

Front

How can you identify a secondhand account?

Back

Look for summaries, interpretations, or reports based on other people's experiences.

Front

What type of account is a letter to the editor?

Back

A letter to the editor is typically a firsthand account if it shares the author's personal feelings or experiences.

Front

What type of account is an article written by a historian about past events?

Back

It is a secondhand account because the historian is reporting on events they did not personally experience.

Front

Why are firsthand accounts important?

Back

They provide direct insight and personal perspectives on events, making them valuable for understanding history.

Front

Why are secondhand accounts useful?

Back

They help us learn about events we did not witness and can provide broader context and analysis.