How do I write a source based question?

To analyse a primary source I always find it helpful to use the 6 C's approach: 1) Content: Read through the source before all else and understand exactly what it is saying. Highlight all the main parts of the text that you think are relevant. Highlighted sections should only be one or two words long so that you can use them as quotations wihtin your answer, your examiner does not want you to paraphrase the whole extract. 2) Citation: Who wrote this text? When was this extract written? Did it come before or after a notible event? What were the authors political, religious or social leanings and do they impact what they have written? 3) Context: What is going on in the world, the country, the region, or the locality when this was created? 4) Connections: Here is the part of the answer when you demonstrate your own knowledge link the text to what you have studied. 5) Communication: What form does this message take? Is it a private or public document? The form the extract takes will tell you a lot about the writers intentions. For example if it is a speech it will likley be trying to persuade and encourage people. Keep in mind the intended audience. 6) Conclusions: How does the primary source contribute to our understanding of history? Do you think it was successful in its aims? Do you think it is reliable? Thisis when you make your own arguement and show the examiner that you understand the material provided.