24 Feb Touchstone 4: Analyzing Primary Sources Template

Part 1:

Meet the Primary Source

Primary Source 1

Primary Source 2

Write the title of the primary source from the U.S History I Primary Source List and paste the web link here.

What type of primary source is this?

(Types could include a letter, speech, court transcript, legislation, diary entry, photograph, artifact, map, broadside, circular, political cartoon, artwork, etc.)

Provide a brief description of something you notice about the source, as if you were explaining it to someone who can’t see it.

(For example, you might describe its physical appearance, its formal title if it has one, its type of language, its size or length, or anything else in particular that stands out to you.)

Part 2:

Observe its Parts

Primary Source 1

Primary Source 2

Who wrote it or created it? Was it one person, or was it a group, like an organization?

(HINT: You may need to use the internet to help you research these questions, and the rest of the questions in Part 2.)

When was it made?

What are two things you know about the personal background or beliefs of the person or group who created it? (4-5 sentences)

Was the source meant to be public or private? If public, who do you think was the intended audience? (4-5 sentences)

Part 3:

Interpret the Meaning (Historical Context)

Primary Source 1

Primary Source 2

Describe two other things that were happening at the time the source was created. (4-5 sentences)

(Careful! In some cases, this could be different from the time the source describes or portrays.)

How does that context (or background information) help you understand why it was created? (4-5 sentences)

Part 4:

Interpret the Meaning (Main Points and Purpose)

Primary Source 1

Primary Source 2

What is the main idea or point of the source? Use specific evidence from the source itself to support your answer. (4-5 sentences)

Why do you think this primary source was made? Provide evidence from your prior responses to support your claim. (4-5 sentences)

(For example, was the purpose simply to inform? To persuade? To sensationalize? Or something else?)

Part 5:

Use as Historical Evidence

Primary Source 1

Primary Source 2

What are two historical questions this source could help you to answer?

What are two pieces of information the source presents that you should “fact check” (verify as true) by checking other primary or secondary sources?

This primary source shows one perspective on this topic. What are two other perspectives you should get to better understand this event or topic, and why? (4-5 sentences)

Reflection: What perspective do you bring to this topic and source? How does your background and the time in which you live affect your perspective? (4-5 sentences)

Checklist for Success:

❒ Check that your chosen sources are on the provided list.

❒ Check that your chosen sources come from different time periods.

❒ Check that all sections of the template are complete for both sources.

❒ Check that you have included your name and date.

❒ Check that your work is proofread for proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.