Primary vs. Secondary Sources Research and Writing

Types of Sources… When looking for information to add to what you know, or to back up your points, you should look for credible sources that will persuade your reader.

Type 1: Primary Sources A Primary Source is a document or object which was written or created during the time under study. Following are some examples of Primary Sources.

Original Documents Diaries Speeches Manuscripts Letters Interviews News Film Footage Autobiographies Official Records

More Primary Documents: Creative Works Poetry Drama Novels Music Art

Primary Documents (cont.)—Relics or Artifacts Pottery Furniture Clothing Buildings

Type 2: Secondary Sources A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one step removed from the event. They may have pictures, quotes, or graphics of primary sources in them. Some examples of Secondary Sources include:

Secondary Source Examples--Publications Textbooks Magazine Articles Histories Criticisms Commentaries Encyclopedias Sources like Wikipedia, etc.

Now, how do you use them??? Let’s practice!