Primary and Secondary Sources Quiz

What is a primary source?

• A book written about an event long after it happened

• An original document or object from the time being studied

• A story told by someone who was not there

• A movie about history

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

• A documentary about ancient Egypt

• A book written by a historian about the past

• The Edwin Smith Papyrus

• An article describing an old photograph

What is a secondary source?

• An original object from history

• A person who saw an event happen

• A source that describes, interprets, or analyzes primary sources

• A handwritten letter from the past

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

• A diary written by a soldier during a war

• A news article analyzing an old letter

• A cave painting made by ancient people

• A photograph taken during an event

Why is the Edwin Smith Papyrus considered a primary source?

• It is an ancient document written a long time ago

• It describes old medical practices

• It was written during the time it describes

• It was discovered by a historian

A newspaper article written today about an event from 100 years ago is a primary source.

A letter written by a king in ancient Egypt is a primary source.

A secondary source provides firsthand information about an event.

A history book describing the life of Imhotep is a primary source.

The Edwin Smith Papyrus is a primary source because it is an original document from ancient Egypt.