How to Evaluate a Primary Source Text

Objectives:

• I can analyze the source of the document
• I can evaluate the factors to consider when reading a primary text
• I can use this understanding to increase my understanding of the text and its value

Building Context

This activity will help you better analyze and engage a primary text so you can understand its context within the historical record. This activity can be applied to any text that you engage with in this lesson.

Note: This activity was adapted from the World History Project.

 

My Primary Source: _________________________________________

 

Source:

Author Who was the author? What, if anything, do you know about them? Is there any information about the author that would help you understand his or her perspective?
Place Where was this document written and/or published?
Time When was the document written and or published? What might this context reveal?
Purpose Does the author have a stated purpose in writing this document? What is your understanding of this purpose? (These answers can differ)
Audience Who was this document created for? What the audience public or private?

 

Summarize:

Purpose Why are you evaluating this source? How will it help you better understand the claim/thesis you are exploring?
Argument What is the major claim/thesis of this document?

 

Analyze this set:

Significance How are these documents relevant to the history you are investigating?
Support What evidence from these documents confirms your understanding of the history you are investigating?
Extend In what ways did these documents expand your understanding of the history you are investigating?
Challenge In what ways did these documents change or alter your understanding of the history you are investigating?
What else? What additional information would further expand your understanding of the history you are investigating?