Two Columns

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a structured tool designed to help students differentiate between primary and secondary sources. The title “Primary vs. Secondary Sources” is centered at the top, with two columns beneath it, each prompting an exploration of one type of source. The left column is labeled “Primary Sources” and the right column “Secondary Sources.” Each column asks three critical questions: “What is it?” to define the type of source, “How do they help us understand a topic?” to explore the source’s utility, and “What are their challenges and limitations?” to consider the potential difficulties in using each source type. At the bottom, there is space provided for “Examples,” allowing students to apply their understanding by listing actual sources that fit each category.

This activity is geared toward building students’ research skills, critical thinking, and their ability to assess the reliability and relevance of different kinds of information. By filling out this worksheet, students engage in a comparative analysis that deepens their understanding of source material, which is essential for any research-based project. The exercise is not only educational but also practical, as it mirrors the process students will often go through when gathering information for academic writing.