Primary Or Secondary Source?
Read through the following examples of historical sources. Identify each one as either a primary or secondary source.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Diary kept by John Smith, a soldier in the Confederate Army
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
A. Primary sourceExplanation
The diary kept by John Smith, a soldier in the Confederate Army, is considered a primary source because it is a firsthand account of his experiences and thoughts during his time in the army. As a soldier, John Smith would have had direct knowledge and personal involvement in the events he describes in his diary. This makes his diary a valuable and reliable source for historians studying the Confederate Army and the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Photograph of Martin Luther King Jr giving his "I have a dream" speech.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
A. Primary sourceExplanation
The photograph of Martin Luther King Jr giving his "I have a dream" speech is considered a primary source because it is an original document or artifact that provides direct evidence of an event or topic. It is a firsthand account of the speech and captures the moment as it happened, making it a valuable and reliable source for studying and understanding the historical event.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Biography of George Washington
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
B. Secondary sourceExplanation
The given correct answer is "Secondary source". In the context of a biography of George Washington, a secondary source refers to a document or account that is based on information gathered from primary sources, such as letters, diaries, or eyewitness accounts. It is not an original or firsthand account of the subject's life, but rather a compilation or interpretation of existing information. Therefore, a secondary source provides a perspective or analysis of George Washington's life based on the research and interpretation of others.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Newspaper article about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, written the day after it happened.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
A. Primary sourceExplanation
The newspaper article about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, written the day after it happened, is considered a primary source. This is because it provides firsthand information and was created at the time of the event. It offers a direct account of the incident and can provide valuable insights into the immediate reactions and details surrounding Lincoln's assassination.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Television show about President Teddy Roosevelt's life.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
B. Secondary sourceExplanation
This answer is correct because a television show about President Teddy Roosevelt's life would be considered a secondary source. Secondary sources are created by someone who did not directly witness or experience the events being discussed. In this case, the television show would be produced by individuals who are interpreting and presenting information about Teddy Roosevelt's life based on primary sources such as historical documents, interviews, or other firsthand accounts.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is considered a secondary source?
- A.
A diary written by a soldier during a war
- B.
An article analyzing the results of multiple scientific studies
- C.
A speech given by a political leader
- D.
A photograph taken during a historical event
Correct Answer
B. An article analyzing the results of multiple scientific studiesExplanation
A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources. An article that reviews or analyzes multiple scientific studies is a secondary source because it does not present original data but rather evaluates the work of others. A diary (A), a speech (C), and a photograph (D) are all primary sources as they offer direct, first-hand accounts or evidence of events or individuals.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Letter from a World War I soldier describing his life in the trenches.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
A. Primary sourceExplanation
The given correct answer is "Primary source." This is because a letter from a World War I soldier describing his life in the trenches would be considered a primary source. A primary source is a firsthand account or original document that provides direct evidence about a particular event or time period. In this case, the letter is written by the soldier who experienced the events firsthand, making it a primary source of information about life in the trenches during World War I.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Article about Rosa Parks in the New York Times newspaper from last week.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
B. Secondary sourceExplanation
The given correct answer is "Secondary source." Based on the information provided, the article about Rosa Parks in the New York Times newspaper from last week can be considered a secondary source. A secondary source is one that analyzes or interprets primary sources, rather than being directly involved in the event or topic being discussed. In this case, the New York Times article is likely providing information and analysis about Rosa Parks, rather than being a firsthand account or original document related to her.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Information about the Civil War in the World Book Encyclopedia.
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
B. Secondary sourceExplanation
The given answer, "Secondary source," is likely the correct answer because the World Book Encyclopedia is a well-known reference book that compiles information from various primary sources. It provides a summary and analysis of historical events, making it a secondary source of information about the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Map of north Carolina, drawn by John Collet in 1770
- A.
Primary source
- B.
Secondary source
Correct Answer
A. Primary sourceExplanation
The map of North Carolina drawn by John Collet in 1770 is considered a primary source because it is a firsthand account or original document created at the time of the events. It provides direct evidence of the geographical features, boundaries, and other details of North Carolina during that period. As a primary source, it is valuable for historians and researchers to study and analyze the historical context and accuracy of the map.Rate this question:
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Sep 13, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Dec 04, 2012Quiz Created by
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