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