Try It
Ok, so just to make sure we are all clear, some types of primary sources include:
- Original documents, such as diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, and official records. (Bonus: Excerpts and translations count here!)
- Creative works, such as poetry, drama, novels, music, art.
- Artifacts, such as pottery, furniture, clothing.
And some types of secondary sources include:
- Publications, such as textbooks, magazine articles, commentaries, encyclopedias, biographies
I think I’m finally recognizing the difference between primary and secondary sources. How about you? Are you ready to test yourself?
In the following activity, you will review the sources I’ve compiled for my Harriet Tubman project and determine if it’s a primary source or secondary source. Then, you will explain your choice. Remember to check your answers with mine.