- Account 1 is a secondhand account because it summarizes historical facts about Pompeii from an objective, third-person perspective, typical of a textbook or encyclopedia entry.
- Account 2 is a firsthand account because it is written in the first person (“As I write this, I’m watching…”) by someone claiming to witness the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in real time.
- The source for Account 1 is secondary, as it compiles and reports information gathered from other sources after the event.
- The source for Account 2 is primary, as it is presented as a direct, contemporaneous record of the event by an eyewitness.
- The point of view for Account 1 is third person, indicated by the use of “Pompeii was…” and “It had…”, describing the city and its people objectively.
- The point of view for Account 2 is first person, indicated by the use of “I’m watching,” “I’m sitting,” and “I hear,” which places the writer directly in the experience.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of firsthand and secondhand accounts worksheet.
