Which statement correctly distinguishes a primary source from a secondary source?

Which statement correctly distinguishes a primary source from a secondary source?

• A. A history textbook is a primary source.
• B. An encyclopedia article is a primary source.
• C. A diary is a primary source.
• D. A diary is a secondary source.

Answer: (C)

Primary sources provide direct, first-hand evidence from the time or event being studied. A diary fits this role because it records a person’s own experiences, thoughts, and daily events as they happened, giving direct insight into that period. In contrast, a history textbook and an encyclopedia article are made by interpreting and synthesizing information from many sources, so they are secondary sources. They analyze, summarize, and present others’ findings rather than offering original, firsthand records. So, the statement that a diary is a primary source is the correct distinction.

Primary sources provide direct, first-hand evidence from the time or event being studied. A diary fits this role because it records a person’s own experiences, thoughts, and daily events as they happened, giving direct insight into that period. In contrast, a history textbook and an encyclopedia article are made by interpreting and synthesizing information from many sources, so they are secondary sources. They analyze, summarize, and present others’ findings rather than offering original, firsthand records. So, the statement that a diary is a primary source is the correct distinction.