How do you analyse a primary source?

The easiest way to analyse a primary source (a source from the time period you are studying) is to remember the 4 Ws:

WHAT: What type of source is this? A letter, a picture, a diary entry?
WHEN: When was it written? Recently, 100 years ago, during a war or significant event?
WHO: Who wrote it? A king, a peasant, a rebel? 
WHY: Why do you think they produced this source? To inform, to persuade, to mislead? 

JS

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I structure the perfect History exam essay?


"The main reason for the Norman victory at Hastings was their superior tactics." How much do you agree with this argument? Explain your reasoning


When I look at a source, how do I know what it's trying to say?


What factor was more important to the failure of the League of Nations: the economic depression of the 1930s or the Abyssinia Crisis?