Which of the following is an example of a primary source? A: Diaries and letters from the 1880s published in a recent book of collected diaries and letters from the 1880s B: an encyclopedia article citing events from the 1880s and giving a list of works cited C: a recently publishedd history book that cites diaries and letters from the 1880s D: a newspaper article published in the 1980s that reports on an event in the 1880s
Which are the originals, not something written about the original?
Primary sources = original works
Secondary sources = things written about the originals -- to analyze, to summarize, to refer, etc.
The correct answer is A: Diaries and letters from the 1880s published in a recent book of collected diaries and letters from the 1880s.
To determine the answer, you need to understand what a primary source is. A primary source is an original document or object that provides firsthand information about an event, person, or time period. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, photographs, interviews, and official records.
In this case, option A presents diaries and letters from the 1880s. These documents were created during the time period being studied, providing direct and firsthand information about events, perspectives, and experiences. The fact that they are published in a recent book does not disqualify them as primary sources. The book is likely a compilation of these original documents, making the diaries and letters still qualify as primary sources.
Option B, an encyclopedia article, is not a primary source as it provides a secondary account of events based on existing knowledge and sources. Option C, a history book that cites diaries and letters, is also not a primary source because it is a result of research and analysis conducted by the author, even if it references primary sources.
Option D, a newspaper article published in the 1980s reporting on an event in the 1880s, is also not a primary source. It is a secondary source since it is created after the event and provides an interpretation or analysis of that event.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer because diaries and letters from the 1880s published in a recent book of collected diaries and letters from the 1880s are considered primary sources.