Let’s go through each statement one by one and decide if it’s TRUE or FALSE based on what primary and secondary sources are.
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1. A primary source is a text that was created during the time period which is being studied.
✔ TRUE — Primary sources come from the actual time you’re studying. Like a diary from 1860 if you’re learning about the Civil War.
2. An original source of information that conveys information about the topic from someone with firsthand experience with it is a secondary source.
✘ FALSE — That’s actually describing a *primary* source! Secondary sources talk *about* primary sources or analyze them.
3. A secondary source is a text that includes the creator’s analysis or interpretation of the topic.
✔ TRUE — Yes! Secondary sources explain, interpret, or analyze primary sources. Like a textbook chapter or a documentary.
4. A primary source is one step removed from having actual experience of the topic.
✘ FALSE — No, that’s backwards. Primary sources are *directly* from the experience. Being “one step removed” means it’s secondary.
5. Most books about a topic are primary sources.
✘ FALSE — Most books (like history books or science textbooks) are written later to explain things — so they’re usually *secondary* sources.
6. Analysis about a topic is a secondary source.
✔ TRUE — If someone is analyzing or interpreting something, that’s a secondary source.
7. Scholarly research is a primary source.
✘ FALSE — Scholarly research (like journal articles that review other studies) is usually *secondary*. Unless it’s reporting new experiments or data collected by the author — but generally, in school contexts, we call it secondary.
Wait — let’s double-check this. In some cases, scholarly research can be primary if it presents original findings (like a scientist publishing their own experiment). But for most middle/high school purposes, when they say “scholarly research,” they mean reviews or analyses — so it’s safer to say
FALSE here unless specified otherwise. We’ll stick with FALSE for this level.
8. Letters and diaries are primary sources.
✔ TRUE — Absolutely! They’re personal records from the time — perfect examples of primary sources.
9. Most documentaries about a topic are secondary source but they frequently make use of primary sources.
✔ TRUE — Documentaries usually include interviews, old footage, letters (primary), but the whole film is made later to explain — so it’s secondary.
10. Primary sources are more important than secondary sources.
✘ FALSE — Neither is “more important.” You need both! Primary gives you raw material; secondary helps you understand it. Both matter.
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Now let’s write down the answers clearly:
Final Answer:
1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. TRUE
7. FALSE
8. TRUE
9. TRUE
10. FALSE
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of primary source worksheet.
