Column Sorting

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is a practical tool for students to learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. The worksheet is titled “Primary or Secondary?” and instructs students to categorize a list of sources into the correct column. On the left side of the worksheet, there’s a column labeled “Primary Sources,” and on the right, one labeled “Secondary Sources.” Below these headers, a variety of sources are listed, such as “a documentary about an event,” “text of a speech,” “a diary,” and others including “photographs of an event,” “video of an event,” and “scholarly research and articles.” Students are tasked with analyzing each item and deciding whether it is a primary or secondary source.

The design of the worksheet is clear and straightforward, encouraging direct engagement with the concept of sourcing in research. The activity not only aids in understanding theoretical definitions but also enhances critical thinking as students must consider the nature of each source. A graphic of a pen at the top right underscores the research and writing theme of the exercise. This resource is valuable for educators aiming to strengthen their students’ research skills, particularly in discerning the origins and credibility of information, which is crucial for academic success.