Firsthand and Secondhand Accounts

Front

What is a firsthand account?

Back

A firsthand account is a description of an event written by someone who witnessed it personally.

Front

What is a secondhand account?

Back

A secondhand account is a description of an event written by someone who was not present at the event.

Front

What pronouns are commonly used in a secondhand account?

Back

He, she, or they.

Front

What pronouns are commonly used in a firsthand account?

Back

I, me, or we.

Front

What is an example of a secondhand account?

Back

A biography.

Front

What is the main difference between firsthand and secondhand accounts?

Back

Firsthand accounts are based on personal experience, while secondhand accounts are based on research or reports from others.

Front

Can a newspaper article be a secondhand account?

Back

Yes, if it reports on an event that the writer did not witness.

Front

What type of account is a diary entry?

Back

A firsthand account.

Front

Why are firsthand accounts important in history?

Back

They provide direct evidence and personal perspectives on events.

Front

What type of account is a textbook?

Back

A secondhand account.