Let’s go step by step to solve each item in the list. We need to decide whether each source is a
primary source or a
secondary source.
What’s the difference?
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Primary source: Something created at the time of the event, by someone who was there or directly involved. Examples: diaries, letters, photos, original documents, artwork from that time.
-
Secondary source: Something made later, by someone who did NOT experience the event firsthand. They are explaining, analyzing, or summarizing primary sources. Examples: textbooks, articles written years later, plays about historical events.
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Now let’s look at each question:
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1. A 2015 play about George Washington’s life.
→ This was written in 2015, long after George Washington lived (he died in 1799). The playwright didn’t know him personally — they’re telling his story based on research.
✔ Answer: B) Secondary source
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2. A journal belonging to one of the crew members onboard the Titanic.
→ This is a real diary/journal written by someone who was actually on the Titanic during the sinking. That’s direct, first-hand evidence.
✔ Answer: A) Primary Source
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3. Anne Frank’s diary.
→ Anne Frank wrote this while hiding during WWII. She experienced it herself. Her words are raw and immediate.
✔ Answer: A) Primary Source
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4. An article describing how Anne Frank must have felt.
→ This is someone else writing *about* Anne Frank’s feelings — probably years later. They weren’t there; they’re guessing or interpreting.
✔ Answer: B) Secondary source
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5. The original Mona Lisa (artwork).
→ Painted by Leonardo da Vinci around 1503–1519. It’s an original piece from that time — not a copy, not a description. Artworks like this are considered primary sources for studying culture/history of that era.
✔ Answer: A) Primary Source
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6. A newspaper article with a journalist’s opinion on what caused the Civil War.
→ Even though it’s a newspaper article, if it includes the journalist’s *opinion* or analysis (not just reporting facts as they happened), and especially if it was written after the war ended, it’s secondary. Also, most such articles today are written long after the fact.
But wait — if it were published DURING the Civil War, it could be primary. However, the phrasing “with a journalist’s opinion on what caused” suggests interpretation, not just reporting. And since no date is given, we assume it’s modern analysis.
Also, note: Opinion pieces are often secondary because they interpret rather than record raw events.
✔ Answer: B) Secondary source
*(Note: If it said “a newspaper article from 1861 reporting battle results,” that would be primary. But here, it’s about cause + opinion → likely secondary.)*
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7. The United States Constitution.
→ Written in 1787 by the Founding Fathers. It’s an original legal document from that time. Definitely primary.
✔ Answer: A) Primary Source
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## Final Check:
We’ve gone through all 7 items carefully. Let’s double-check any tricky ones:
- #6: Newspaper article with opinion → yes, secondary. Even newspapers can be secondary if they analyze or opine after the fact.
- All others seem solid.
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Final Answer:
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. A
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of primary secondary sources worksheet grade 6.
