Primary and Secondary Sources

What is a primary source?

• A source that provides a first-hand account of an event or time period.

• A source that offers an analysis of primary sources.

• A source that is always created after the event has occurred.

• A source that is considered to be persuasive.

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

• A dictionary

• An ancient artefact

• A book that interprets research

• A textbook

What is an example of a secondary source?

• A diary

• An encyclopedia

• A ships' log

• A trial transcript

Which of the following is NOT a primary source?

• An autobiography

• A research report

• A speech

• A textbook

Which of the following best describes a secondary source?

• A source that is created at the time of the event.

• A source that provides direct evidence or first-hand testimony.

• A source that is always fictional.

• A source that analyses, interprets, or critiques primary sources.

Which of the following is usually a primary source when researching history?

• A scholarly article analyzing the event.

• A biography written years after the event.

• A modern documentary about the event.

• A newspaper article from the time of the event.

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

• Primary sources are always more accurate than secondary sources.

• Primary sources are created by experts, while secondary sources are not.

• Primary sources provide direct or firsthand evidence, while secondary sources interpret or analyse primary sources.

• Primary sources are always written documents, while secondary sources are not.