Why Study History? Article Questions

Why do we study history?

• To learn about ourselves and how we would react and act in instances like those in the past.

• To forget the past.

• To ignore the actions of people before us.

• To only focus on the future.

Answer explanation

We study history to understand our own behaviors and reactions in similar situations, helping us learn from past experiences and avoid repeating mistakes.

What is evidence in the study of history?

• Information that can be used to prove your statement or support a conclusion.

• A random guess.

• Only photographs.

• Only old movies.

Answer explanation

In the study of history, evidence refers to information that can substantiate claims or conclusions. This includes various forms of data, not just photographs or movies, making the first choice the correct answer.

Fill in the blank: In history, evidence can be found in many different forms, such as old letters, photographs, artifacts, pictures, music, and even old _______.

• movies

• cars

• trees

• buildings

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'movies' because they are a significant form of historical evidence, capturing cultural moments and societal changes, just like letters and photographs. Cars, trees, and buildings, while historical, do not fit as directly.

What is a primary source?

• A document or record of past events created by people who were present at that time.

• A summary written long after the event.

• A fictional story.

• A modern newspaper article about the past.

Answer explanation

A primary source is a firsthand account or original document created by individuals who experienced the event, making the first answer correct. The other options describe secondary sources or fictional works.

A secondary source is usually written by an expert or historical figure after the time period.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources and is typically created by someone who was not directly involved in the events, often after the time period in question.

Fill in the blank: Secondary sources can include books, magazines, as well as short _______.

• articles

• novels

• movies

• songs

Answer explanation

Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources. Books and magazines are common examples, and short articles fit this definition well, making 'articles' the correct choice to complete the sentence.

It is important to carefully examine each historical source because:

• it helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of information.

• it makes the sources look more interesting.

• it allows us to ignore conflicting evidence.

• it guarantees that all sources are unbiased.

Answer explanation

Carefully examining historical sources is crucial as it helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of information, allowing us to form well-supported conclusions rather than relying on potentially flawed or biased accounts.

According to the passage, what is bias in the context of analyzing historical sources?

• A) A fair and balanced view of events

• B) Any factor that might change a person's observations

• C) The correct order of events

• D) A type of evidence used by historians

Answer explanation

Bias refers to any factor that might change a person's observations, influencing how historical sources are interpreted. Thus, option B is correct as it captures the essence of bias in historical analysis.

What is the first step historians take after selecting and evaluating evidence, according to the passage?

• Identifying bias

• Establishing a chronology or sequence of events in time

• Comparing presidents

• Writing new arguments

Answer explanation

After selecting and evaluating evidence, historians first establish a chronology or sequence of events in time. This step is crucial for understanding the context and relationships between events.

Fill in the blank: The passage states that 'differences of opinion about how to look at the past makes history ______ and important.'

• interesting

• boring

• confusing

• irrelevant

Answer explanation

The passage highlights that differing opinions on the past contribute to making history 'interesting' and important. This suggests that diverse perspectives enhance our understanding, making the correct choice 'interesting'.