Test Your Knowledge Skills! Primary And Secondary Sources

1.

You have in your hands a copy of a speech given by important person X who was a key player in the history you are examining. It is a: (Choose the BEST answer)

A.

Valid source
B.

Invalid Source
C.

Reliable source
D.

Primary source
E.

Secondary source

Correct Answer
D. Primary source

Explanation
A primary source refers to an original document or firsthand account of an event or topic. In this case, the speech given by important person X would be considered a primary source because it is a direct record of their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. As a key player in the history being examined, this speech would provide valuable insights and firsthand information about the events and context of that time period.

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2.

Which of these 4 choices would be the most reliable source for information on the effects of heroin use?

A.

An article from the CDC website about the loing-term effects of heroin use.
B.

An article from the DEA newsletter containing statistics about heroin use by urban males 10-25.
C.

A newspaper article about the arrest of a heroin dealer.

Correct Answer
A. An article from the CDC website about the loing-term effects of heroin use.

Explanation
The most reliable source for information on the effects of heroin use would be an article from the CDC website about the long-term effects of heroin use. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is a reputable government agency that conducts research and provides evidence-based information on public health issues. Their website is a reliable source of information as it is based on scientific research and is regularly updated with the latest findings. This article would provide accurate and comprehensive information about the long-term effects of heroin use, helping individuals make informed decisions about the risks associated with heroin use.

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3.

What is a primary source?

A.

A source used often
B.

A source found in an important book like an encyclopedia
C.

A source created at the time of an event by an individual who was there
D.

A source created after an event has happened

Correct Answer
C. A source created at the time of an event by an individual who was there

Explanation
A primary source refers to a source that was created during the time of an event by someone who was present at that time. This means that the information provided in the source is firsthand and comes directly from someone who witnessed or experienced the event. Primary sources are considered to be valuable and reliable because they offer direct insights and perspectives from the people who were directly involved in the event.

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4.

What is a secondary source?

A.

A source which is someone's second choice to use for research
B.

A source created after an event has happened by someone not present at the event
C.

A second piece of information written about an event
D.

A source created at the time of an event

Correct Answer
B. A source created after an event has happened by someone not present at the event

Explanation
A secondary source refers to a source that is created after an event has occurred by someone who was not present at the event. This means that the information provided in the source is based on the analysis, interpretation, or synthesis of primary sources or other secondary sources. Secondary sources are often used in research to gain a deeper understanding of an event or topic by examining different perspectives or interpretations.

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5.

Which of the following is a secondary source?

A.

A textbook chapter on World War II and its famous battles
B.

Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech
C.

A photograph of an immigrant family arriving at Ellis Island
D.

A journal kept by a soldier during the American Revolution

Correct Answer
A. A textbook chapter on World War II and its famous battles

Explanation
A textbook chapter on World War II and its famous battles is considered a secondary source because it is a written account of historical events that is based on primary sources and the research and interpretation of the author. It provides an analysis and synthesis of information gathered from various primary sources, such as documents, interviews, and eyewitness accounts. This secondary source allows readers to gain a broader understanding of the topic and the events that occurred during World War II.

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6.

A book about the war where the author says things like "I was drafted at age 18..."; "I flew to Vietnam a few months later..."; "We fought in five battles..."

A.

Primary
B.

Secondary

Correct Answer
A. Primary

Explanation
The given answer is "Primary". This is because the book is written by someone who directly experienced the war. The author mentions personal experiences such as being drafted at a young age and fighting in battles, which indicates that they were directly involved in the events being described. This makes the book a primary source of information about the war.

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7.

A biography of General Westmoreland (who commanded American forces in Vietnam) written by one of his officers.

A.

Primary
B.

Secondary

Correct Answer
A. Primary

Explanation
The given correct answer is "Primary." In this context, a primary source refers to a firsthand account or original document that provides direct evidence or information about an event or person. In this case, a biography of General Westmoreland written by one of his officers would be considered a primary source as it offers a direct perspective and insights from someone who had personal experience and interactions with him.

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8.

A biography of General Westmoreland by an author who didn't know the general, and drew on other sources for their information.

A.

Primary
B.

Secondary

Correct Answer
B. Secondary

Explanation
The given answer is "Secondary." This is because the biography of General Westmoreland was written by an author who did not personally know the general. Instead, the author relied on other sources for their information. A secondary source is one that is created by someone who did not directly experience or witness the events or subject matter being discussed. In this case, since the author did not have a personal connection to General Westmoreland, their biography would be considered a secondary source.

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