How do I analyse a primary/ secondary source?

When analysing a source there are some easy rules to stick to in order to ensure a deep analysis. Firstly, never take what you're reading or, if it's a picture, looking at at face value. Every source has an agenda and it's your job to find that agenda. Think about when it was written, by whom and what it is about. Make sure you understand what the purpose of the source was as this can be very telling on what the author's/ illustrator's viewpoint is. Just because something is an eyewitness account doesn't necessarily mean that it is reliable, think about what the source is missing in its account and why it misses it. Through doing this you'll ensure that you're giving an in depth analysis.

KR
Answered by Kimran R. History tutor

4703 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

To what extent was the role of the Red Army the most significant reason Lenin was able to strengthen rule over Russia


"Stalin's five-year plans were a great success in the years 1928-1941." To what extent do you agree with this statement?


How do I remember so many facts?


How useful is Source A as as evidence about the electoral system before 1832?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning