Comparing Firsthand and Secondhand Sources

Front

What is a firsthand account?

Back

A firsthand account is a direct or personal experience of an event, often told by someone who witnessed it.

Front

What is a secondhand account?

Back

A secondhand account is a retelling or interpretation of an event by someone who did not experience it directly.

Front

Give an example of a firsthand source.

Back

A diary entry written by a soldier during a war.

Front

Give an example of a secondhand source.

Back

A history book that discusses events from a war based on various accounts.

Front

What type of text are firsthand and secondhand accounts usually found in?

Back

Nonfiction texts.

Front

What can firsthand accounts also be called?

Back

Primary sources.

Front

What can secondhand accounts also be called?

Back

Secondary sources.

Front

Is a biography a firsthand or secondhand account?

Back

A biography is a secondhand account.

Front

What is the main difference between firsthand and secondhand accounts?

Back

The main difference is that firsthand accounts are based on direct experience, while secondhand accounts are based on interpretations or retellings.

Front

What type of perspective is often used in firsthand accounts?

Back

First person perspective.