Question

primary vs. secondary source
identify whether each of the sources below is a
primary source or a secondary source.
color the primary sources
and the secondary sources

an ancient cave
painting

the presidents state
of the union speech

the diary of anne frank

a movie about the
holocaust

princess dianas
biography

a textbook about
ancient chinese
history

Explanation:

To determine primary and secondary sources:

• Primary sources are original, firsthand accounts or artifacts (e.g., diaries, speeches, original art, historical documents).
• Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources (e.g., textbooks, movies about history, biographies).

Identifications:

1. an ancient cave painting: Primary (original artifact from the time period).
2. the President’s State of the Union speech: Primary (original, firsthand speech).
3. The Diary of Anne Frank: Primary (firsthand diary from the Holocaust).
4. a movie about the Holocaust: Secondary (interprets/retells Holocaust events).
5. Princess Diana’s biography: Secondary (interprets Princess Diana’s life).
6. a textbook about ancient Chinese history: Secondary (summarizes/analyzes ancient Chinese history).

Answer:

Primary Sources (Color green):

• an ancient cave painting
• the President’s State of the Union speech
• The Diary of Anne Frank

Secondary Sources (Color blue):

• a movie about the Holocaust
• Princess Diana’s biography
• a textbook about ancient Chinese history