How do I analyse a primary source?

Analysing a primary source is key for everyone trying to explain a particular event in history. One must try to distance themselves and their opinions firstly and certain crucial points must be answered: what does the source say(content)? Who says it(author)? Who is the audience? What is the context of the time of writing/question (this is where one can rely on previously memorized facts and wider knowledge)? Answering these questions should bring together a pretty accurate description about what was the context in which the text was produced to a particular audience. It is also important to know that for GCSE the types of sources are usually clearly showing in a certain direction - no need to overthink it. Author, audience, content, context.

KG

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I plan an exam answer?


How do I make a good argument in my essay or exam?


Why did Catholics and Protestants hate each other in England?


Which of these events was the greater success for Hitler: The remilitarisation of the Rhineland, 1936 OR The Munich agreement, 1938 (8 marks