This document defines and provides examples of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide first-hand accounts or direct evidence about an event, such as diaries, interviews, photographs, and audio/video recordings. Secondary sources are created later and interpret or analyze primary sources, like textbooks, encyclopedias, and journal articles. The key difference is that primary sources are eyewitness accounts and secondary sources are one step removed from the event.

1. Primary and Secondary
Resources
Mrs. Holland’s Social Studies Class

2. 1.) What is a primary source?
 A primary source provides first-hand
accounts or direct evidence
concerning a particular topic. Primary
sources provide an inside look into an
event.

3. 2.) What are some examples of
primary sources?
 Diaries/Memoirs  Photographs
 Interviews  Clothing
 Letters  Surveys
 Documents  Audio recordings
 Speeches  Video recording
 Art

4. 3.) What is a secondary
source?
 A secondary source is information that
was created later by someone who did
not experience first-hand or participate
in the events or conditions you’re
researching. Secondary sources are
often based on primary sources.

5. 4.) What are some examples of
secondary sources?
 Textbooks
 Encyclopedias
 Book Review
 Interpretive journal articles

6. 5.) What is the difference?
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=s13KpD
tKAys&noredirect=1

7. Comparing Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Secondary
Source Source
Similaritie
s
Definition
Definition
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:
Example: