Firsthand vs. Secondhand Accounts

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What is a firsthand account?

Back

A firsthand account is a description or report of an event that comes directly from someone who experienced it. For example, a person telling their own story about riding a roller coaster.

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What is a secondhand account?

Back

A secondhand account is a description or report of an event that comes from someone who did not experience it directly. For example, a comic strip drawn by a classmate about a story told by a teacher.

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Give an example of a firsthand account.

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Watching a videotape of your parents' wedding is a firsthand account because you are seeing the event as it happened.

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Give an example of a secondhand account.

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Reading a biography about a scientist is a secondhand account because it is written by someone else who researched the scientist's life.

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How can you tell if something is a firsthand account?

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If the information comes directly from someone who was there or experienced the event, it is a firsthand account.

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How can you tell if something is a secondhand account?

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If the information is reported by someone who did not experience the event themselves, it is a secondhand account.

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What type of account is a Letter to the Editor in a newspaper?

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A Letter to the Editor is a firsthand account if the author shares their personal experience.

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What type of account is an encyclopedia entry?

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An encyclopedia entry is a secondhand account because it summarizes information gathered from various sources.

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Why are firsthand accounts important?

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Firsthand accounts provide direct evidence and personal perspectives on events, making them valuable for understanding history.

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Why are secondhand accounts useful?

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Secondhand accounts help us learn about events and people we may not have direct access to, providing context and analysis.