"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime"
Primary Source Analysis Worksheet

When analyzing the content of any primary source, it is important to evaluate the quality of the information presented in the source.  Use this guide to help you think about the value of the information and the possible biases and motivations of the author/creator.

1. Type of Source (Check one):

   __Diary/Journal	__Memoir/Autobiography	__Video recordings
   __Speech	__Organization Record	__Artifacts
   __Interview	__Research Reports	__Moving Pictures
   __Letter	__Photographs	__Government Agency Records
   __Memo	__Audio Recordings	__Manuscript
   __Other (specify)

2. Unique physical qualities (if any):

    

3. Date of source:

    

4. Author (or creator) of the document:

    

5. Position (Title) or situation of the creator:

    

6. List three things you learned from the source that you think are important.

    

7. Why do you think this document was created? What evidence in the source helps you know why it was created? Quote from the document.

    

8. List two things the source tells you about life at that time.

    

9. Write a question about the author that is left unanswered by the source.

    

10. Based on your own knowledge of history and on other sources you've examined, does this source present a valid representation of the subject without bias? Explain your answer.

     

11. Overall, how does this source add to your knowledge of the subject?

     

    

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