What is a secondary source, and how does it differ from a primary source?

• A. It interprets or analyzes primary sources.
• B. It is an original document created at the time of the event.
• C. It is the government's official record.
• D. It is a photograph from the event.

Answer: (B)

A secondary source is something that interprets, analyzes, or synthesizes information from primary sources. It tends to be produced after the event and offers commentary, context, or conclusions based on original evidence. For example, a history textbook that explains and compares multiple diaries and official records, or a scholarly article that evaluates several primary documents to tell a bigger story, fits this idea.

In contrast, primary sources are the original materials from the time of the event themselves—things like diaries, letters, official records, or photographs taken during the event. A government official record is typically a primary source, and a photograph from the event is usually a primary source as well. The key distinction is that secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources rather than being the direct, original witness to the event.