What Do You Know About Historical Sources?

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| By Snurhusnaa

Snurhusnaa

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 1,157

Questions: 8 | Attempts: 1,157 | Updated: Nov 16, 2023

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Questions and Answers

1.

What is a 'primary source'?
- A.
  
  It has been constructed from other sources of information.
- B.
  
  It is a type of artefact that was used by people from the past.
- C.
  
  It was created by historians to write books.
- D.
  
  It was produced close to or at the time of the event and by people who experienced the event.
Correct Answer
D. It was produced close to or at the time of the event and by people who experienced the event.

Explanation
A primary source refers to a firsthand account or evidence that was created during or shortly after the event by individuals who directly experienced it. This could include documents, letters, diaries, photographs, or recordings that provide direct insight into the event or time period being studied. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with the definition of a primary source.

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2.

Identify the type of source shown below. Chinese ceramic dated 14th to 19th Century, found in Singapore
- A.
  
  Pictorial Records
- B.
  
  Written Accounts
- C.
  
  Artefacts
- D.
  
  Oral tradition
Correct Answer
C. Artefacts

Explanation
The given source is a Chinese ceramic dated from the 14th to 19th century, found in Singapore. It is categorized as an artifact because it is a physical object that was created by humans in the past and provides evidence of their culture, history, and craftsmanship.

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3.

Which of the following can be categorized as 'pictorial records'?
- A.
  
  'Headless horseman' Statue
- B.
  
  Map of Singapore River, 1819
- C.
  
  Portrait of Sir Stamford Raffles
- D.
  
  Poster 'No long hair', 1960s-1970s, Singapore
- E.
  
  Gold Armlet, mid-14th Century
- F.
  
  Photograph of road leading to Sultan Mosque, 2009
Correct Answer(s)
B. Map of Singapore River, 1819
C. Portrait of Sir Stamford Raffles
D. Poster 'No long hair', 1960s-1970s, Singapore
F. Photograph of road leading to Sultan Mosque, 2009

Explanation
The given answer options consist of visual representations that can be considered as pictorial records. A map is a visual representation of a specific location, while a portrait is a visual representation of a person. The poster and photograph are also visual representations of specific events or places. Therefore, all of these options can be categorized as pictorial records.

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4.

What are 'artefacts'?
- A.
  
  Items that people bury in the ground.
- B.
  
  Things made and used by people in the past.
- C.
  
  Items that historians store in the museum.
- D.
  
  Things that people use in their daily lives.
Correct Answer
B. Things made and used by people in the past.

Explanation
Artefacts are defined as things made and used by people in the past. They are often physical objects that provide evidence of human activity and can range from tools and weapons to pottery and artwork. These artefacts are important for understanding past civilizations, their culture, and their way of life. They are studied and preserved by historians and archaeologists to gain insights into the history and development of human societies.

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3
0
5.

Which of the following can be categorized as an 'artefact'?
- A.
  
  ]]Gold Armlet, mid-14th Century
- B.
  
  Raffles Hotel Building Plan, 1897
- C.
  
  SIA Kebaya (Traditional Costume), 1968, Singapore
- D.
  
  'Coinafon', Public Telephone, 1970s, Singapore
- E.
  
  Newspaper article, 1940s
- F.
  
  Malay coin, 1800s
Correct Answer(s)
A. ]]Gold Armlet, mid-14th Century
C. SIA Kebaya (Traditional Costume), 1968, Singapore
D. 'Coinafon', Public Telephone, 1970s, Singapore
F. Malay coin, 1800s

Explanation
The items that can be categorized as an 'artefact' are the Gold Armlet, mid-14th Century, SIA Kebaya (Traditional Costume), 1968, Singapore, 'Coinafon', Public Telephone, 1970s, Singapore, and Malay coin, 1800s. These items are considered artefacts because they are objects that were created or used by humans in the past and hold historical, cultural, or artistic significance.

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0
1
6.

What are 'oral traditions'?
- A.
  
  Stories found in books passed from one generation to another.
- B.
  
  Traditional items from the different ethnic groups.
- C.
  
  Legends, myths, tales and stories told from one generation to another.
- D.
  
  Fragments of traditional items found in museums.
Correct Answer
C. Legends, myths, tales and stories told from one generation to another.

Explanation
Oral traditions refer to the transmission of knowledge, cultural practices, and historical events through spoken words, rather than written texts. This includes legends, myths, tales, and stories that are passed down from one generation to another through storytelling. It is a way for communities to preserve and share their cultural heritage, beliefs, and values. It is distinct from stories found in books or fragments of traditional items found in museums, as oral traditions rely on the spoken word and the act of storytelling.

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7.

Identify the type of source shown below.
- A.
  
  Pictorial record - Poster
- B.
  
  Artefact - Book
- C.
  
  Written account - Diary
- D.
  
  Written account - Letter
Correct Answer
C. Written account - Diary

Explanation
The given source is a written account in the form of a diary. A diary is a personal record where individuals write about their daily experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It provides an insight into the author's life and can be used as a historical source to understand the past from a personal perspective.

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8.

Why do historians need sources?
- A.
  
  It provides historians with information on the past.
- B.
  
  It helps historians to gain recognition in museums.
- C.
  
  It allows historians to construct knowledge of the past.
- D.
  
  It enables historians to investigate events that happened in the past.
Correct Answer(s)
A. It provides historians with information on the past.
C. It allows historians to construct knowledge of the past.
D. It enables historians to investigate events that happened in the past.

Explanation
Historians need sources because they provide them with information on the past. Sources allow historians to construct knowledge of the past by providing them with evidence and data. They enable historians to investigate events that happened in the past by providing them with firsthand accounts, documents, artifacts, and other forms of evidence. By analyzing and interpreting these sources, historians can gain insights into historical events, understand the context in which they occurred, and develop a more accurate understanding of the past.

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