General Source Analysis Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts for general source analysis from the lecture notes.

How do you identify what a question is asking in source analysis?

Look for keywords or triggers in the question.

What makes a source a primary source?

It was created during the event by an eyewitness.

How do you determine the author's purpose?

Look at the text details to see if the author is persuading, informing, entertaining, praising, or criticizing.

How do you determine the historical context of a source?

Use the source information and background to understand what was happening in the world when it was written.

How do you find a quote that supports a specific claim?

Scan the source text to find the line that directly proves the claim.

What information tells you about the origin of a source?

The source information, including the date, location, who wrote it, and for whom.

What should you check to determine the type of source?

Check if it's a diary, memoir, letter, chronicle, textbook, interview, and whether the author was present or writing later.

How do you compare the perspectives of multiple sources?

Compare their tone and perspective, for example, if one celebrates while another mourns, or one defends while the other condemns.

How do you determine which claim a source best supports?

Look at the descriptions in the text to see if they show victory, suffering, destruction, or hope.

What is an advantage of using a source where the author witnessed events firsthand?

It provides direct evidence.

What are some limitations that weaken the reliability of a source?

If it was written much later, is biased, is fictional, or not widely read.

How do you determine the author's point of view (POV)?

Read for their stance, whether they are supportive, critical, emotional, or neutral.

Where can you find information about when a source was created?

Look at the Source Information (year/date).

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

A primary source is created during an event by a witness, while a secondary source is written later with analysis.

What sections of a source can help you figure out its type?

The title, image, background, or source information.

What does the term "corroborate" mean in source analysis?

To agree or support, specifically when multiple sources confirm the same idea.

How can you check if a source contains bias?

Check its tone and language for overly praising, overly negative, or emotional rhetoric.

How do you identify who an author is referring to in a quote?

Use context clues and vocabulary within the source to match the correct group.