Primary and secondary sources

What is a primary source?

• An original document or object created during the time period under study.
• A document that summarizes or interprets primary sources.
• A source that presents a personal opinion or interpretation of a topic.
• A source that provides information about a topic but was created after the time period under study.

Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?

• A history textbook written by a historian.
• A photograph taken during the Civil Rights Movement.
• A diary entry written by a soldier during World War II.
• A speech given by Nelson Mandela.

What is a secondary source?

• A source that provides information about a topic but was created after the time period under study.
• A document that summarizes or interprets primary sources.
• A source that presents a personal opinion or interpretation of a topic.
• An original document or object created during the time period under study.

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

• A letter written by a Civil War soldier.
• An article analyzing the causes of the Civil War.
• An interview with a historian about the Civil War.
• A documentary film about the Civil War.

What is the purpose of a primary source?

• To provide direct evidence or firsthand information about a topic.
• To summarize information from various sources.
• To present a personal opinion or interpretation of a topic.
• To interpret and analyze information from secondary sources.

What is the purpose of a secondary source?

• To provide analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources.
• To summarize information from various sources.
• To provide direct evidence or firsthand information about a topic.
• To present a personal opinion or interpretation of a topic.

What is the main difference between a primary source and a secondary source?

• A primary source is an original document or object created during the time period under study, while a secondary source provides information about a topic but was created after the time period under study.
• A primary source summarizes or interprets information from secondary sources, while a secondary source offers analysis and commentary.
• A primary source is always written by a historian, while a secondary source is created by individuals who experienced the events firsthand.
• A primary source presents a personal opinion or interpretation of a topic, while a secondary source provides direct evidence or firsthand information.