What Are Secondary Sources?

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is designed to engage students in understanding the concept of secondary sources in academic research. The title “Secondary Sources” is prominently featured at the top of the page, signaling the focus of the worksheet. The first question prompts students to define a secondary source, thereby establishing a foundational understanding. The worksheet mistakenly includes a question asking for examples of primary sources, which seems to be a typographical error, considering the topic. It then correctly concludes by asking why primary sources are important, which may serve to clarify the distinction between primary and secondary sources, even though the emphasis of this worksheet is supposed to be on secondary sources.

The layout is straightforward, with ample lined space provided for students to write their answers, fostering thoughtful engagement with the material. An open book illustration underscores the theme of learning and scholarship. This worksheet, when used correctly, would typically help students to identify and understand secondary sources—those which provide commentary, analysis, or restatement of primary sources. It can be a valuable tool in an educational setting for helping students to critically evaluate different types of information and to understand the role of secondary sources in research and writing.