Primary and Secondary Sources Worksheet
Identify and differentiate between primary and secondary sources with this Grade 4 social studies worksheet.
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Primary and Secondary Sources
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. This worksheet will help you understand the difference between primary and secondary sources.
A primary source is a firsthand account of an event or topic. It is created by someone who experienced it or witnessed it directly. A secondary source is a secondhand account of an event or topic. It is created by someone who did not experience or witness the event directly, but gathered information from primary sources.
1. Which of the following is an example of a primary source?
A history textbook
A diary entry
A biography of Abraham Lincoln
A news report written 50 years later
2. Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?
A photograph from the event
A letter written by a witness
A documentary made last year about ancient Egypt
An autobiography
3. A source is a firsthand account of an event.
4. A source is a secondhand account of an event.
5. A movie made many years after a historical event is likely a source.
6. A journal written by a historical figure is a secondary source.
True
False
7. An encyclopedia is generally considered a primary source.
True
False
8. Why is it important for historians to use both primary and secondary sources?