Primary and Secondary Source

A primary source tells you about an event, and it is from the time that the event took place.

• False

• True

Which is NOT an example of a primary source?

• a letter

• a photograph

• a diary

• a speech

• an article in an encyclopedia

A secondary source tells you about an event but is from a time after the event took place.

• False

• True

Which of these is NOT an example of a secondary source?

• a textbook

• an encyclopedia

• a map used by Robert LaSalle

• a photograph

A speech is what kind of source?

• secondary

• primary

• source you talk about

Why is a speech a primary source?

• It happened after the time being studied.

• It took place at the time being studied.

• If it was recorded on video, it is a primary source.  

Are textbooks a primary or secondary source?

• secondary

• primary

Why are textbooks secondary?

• They are written after the time being studied.

• They are written by people who were there at the time being studied.

• No one likes to read them because they are boring.