Primary and Secondary Sources

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What is a Primary Source?

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A Primary Source is an original document or firsthand account created at the time of an event. Examples include letters, diaries, photographs, and official documents.

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What is a Secondary Source?

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A Secondary Source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. It is created after an event by someone who did not experience it firsthand. Examples include textbooks, articles, and documentaries.

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Give an example of a Primary Source.

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An example of a Primary Source is a letter written by George Washington.

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Give an example of a Secondary Source.

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An example of a Secondary Source is a movie based on true events, like the film about Bethany Hamilton.

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Are newspaper articles always Primary Sources?

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No, newspaper articles are not always Primary Sources. They can be Secondary Sources if they analyze or interpret events that happened in the past.

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What type of source is a journal of science notes written by Charles Darwin?

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It is a Primary Source.

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What is the main difference between Primary and Secondary Sources?

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The main difference is that Primary Sources provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts, while Secondary Sources interpret or analyze Primary Sources.

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Can a photograph be a Primary Source?

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Yes, a photograph taken at the time of an event is considered a Primary Source.

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What type of source is a biography?

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A biography is a Secondary Source because it is written about someone else's life after the events have occurred.

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Is a textbook a Primary or Secondary Source?

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A textbook is a Secondary Source because it summarizes and interprets information from Primary Sources.