Primary and Secondary Sources
Grade 4 - Social Studies - On Level
Which source is primary evidence for studying a Native leader's speech?
- an encyclopedia entry about harbor trade
- a written copy recorded by someone who heard the speech
- a later museum label about the protest
- a textbook section explaining the speech's effects
Which source is secondary evidence for studying a court decision?
- a news explainer about the decision
- a ticket from opening day
- a sign carried at the protest
- the court's written opinion
Why is "a written copy recorded by someone who heard the speech" a primary source for a Native leader's speech?
- it comes from the time of the speech
- the writer recorded what happened during the voyage
- it is the official record created by the court
- it shows the ceremony as it happened
Why might a historian compare "a written copy recorded by someone who heard the speech" with "a textbook section explaining the speech's effects"?
- to avoid checking evidence
- to make the primary source disappear
- the speech shows words from the time, and the textbook adds later explanation
- to prove that later sources are always wrong
Which question helps classify a source about a harbor settlement?
- Did supply increase or decrease?
- How many inches are on the map scale?
- Was it created during the event or later to explain it?
- Which branch carries out laws?
Which source is primary evidence for studying a community protest?
- a later museum label about the protest
- a park website page summarizing the park's history
- a sign carried at the protest
- a news explainer about the decision
Which source is secondary evidence for studying a community protest?
- a later museum label about the protest
- a photograph taken at the dedication ceremony
- a ticket from opening day
- a ship captain's journal entry
Why is "a photograph taken at the dedication ceremony" a primary source for a state park dedication?
- it comes from the time of the speech
- it is the official record created by the court
- it shows the ceremony as it happened
- it was used by participants at the event
Why might a historian compare "the court's written opinion" with "a news explainer about the decision"?
- to avoid checking evidence
- to prove that later sources are always wrong
- the opinion gives the decision, and the explainer helps readers understand it
- to make the primary source disappear
Which question helps classify a source about a court decision?
- Was it created during the event or later to explain it?
- Which branch carries out laws?
- Did supply increase or decrease?
- How many inches are on the map scale?