Think about the difference between primary sours and secondary sources. Accurately explain which one you should use for research for an informational text.

A. I should use primary sources because they are documents that come from people who were part of an actual event
B. I should use secondary sources because they are documents that come from people that were present at the event
C. I should use secondary sources because they come from experts who have researched and used different perspectives
D. I should use primary sources because they allow you to gain a first-hand account of the event from the time it happened

D. I should use primary sources because they allow you to gain a first-hand account of the event from the time it happened.

The correct answer is D. Primary sources are original materials that were created or produced during the time period being studied or by individuals directly involved in the event. They provide firsthand accounts or direct evidence of the event or topic in question. Primary sources can include letters, diaries, photographs, articles, speeches, interviews, or official documents.

Using primary sources for research in an informational text is preferred because they offer a more direct and authentic perspective on the event or topic. By accessing primary sources, researchers can examine the original materials and gain a firsthand account of the event from the time it happened. This can provide a more accurate and detailed understanding of the subject matter, as primary sources offer eyewitness testimonies or original documents from the period being studied.

Secondary sources, on the other hand, are interpretations or analyses of primary sources. They are created by individuals who were not directly involved in the event or time period being studied. Secondary sources gather information from multiple primary sources and often provide analytical, interpretative, or critical perspectives on the subject matter. They can include books, articles, documentaries, or textbooks.

While secondary sources can be helpful in providing analysis, context, or different perspectives, they are not as valuable for gaining firsthand accounts or direct evidence. Therefore, when researching for an informational text, it is generally more appropriate to rely on primary sources to ensure accuracy and reliability of the information.