Analyze the Perspective/Positionality of the Author

Primary Source Evaluation Template
Evaluation Element
Answer
Additional Notes or Explanation (optional)
Identifying Information (Author/Time Period/What Type of Source)
Perspective/Positionality of the author (3-5 sentences)
Intended Audience
Significance of Source (3-5 sentences)
Limitations of Source (What do you not know after reading)
Context (Describe in 3-5 sentences what is going on in the country or locality when this was created)
Connections (Link this primary source to other things that you already know or have learned about in 3-5 sentences)
Conclusions (How does the primary source contribute to our understanding of history? Make a historical argument based upon this evidence.)

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring and Writing Your Paper

1. Start with Identifying Information:

   • In this first section, clearly note the author and time period of the primary source. For example, if you’re evaluating a letter from the 1800s, note who wrote it and in what context it was written.
   • Consider what type of source it is: Is it a letter, speech, article, etc.? Providing this foundational info will give context to the rest of your evaluation.

2. Analyze the Perspective/Positionality of the Author:

   • Take 3-5 sentences to describe the author’s perspective. Reflect on the background and potential biases of the author. What do you know about the author’s position or their beliefs, and how might these affect the way the source was written or presented?
   • Keep in mind that historical sources often reflect the biases and attitudes of their time, so be sure to evaluate this aspect carefully.

3. Define the Intended Audience:

   • Who was the author addressing when writing this source? Was it meant for a general audience, a specific group, or perhaps someone important (like a political leader)?
   • This section will help you understand the context of the source and why it was created in the first place.

4. Evaluate the Significance of the Source:

   • Spend 3-5 sentences discussing the importance of the source. Why is it valuable? What does it tell us about the time period, or the specific events it addresses?
   • This section shows you can think critically about the source and its broader historical importance.

5. List Limitations of the Source:

   • Consider what is not addressed in the source. What questions remain unanswered after reading it? Is there any missing information that might help with further analysis?
   • Being critical about the limitations of the source shows that you understand the complexities of historical evidence and that you are aware of the potential gaps in your research.

6. Analyze the Context:

   • Describe the historical context surrounding the creation of this source. Was it created during a time of war, political upheaval, or social change?
   • Use 3-5 sentences to explain the state of the country or locality at the time the source was created. This will help you better understand the reasons behind the source and its intended impact.

7. Make Connections:

   • Link this source to other historical events, sources, or ideas you’ve already studied. How does this source relate to what you already know about the time period or the subject matter?
   • Connecting primary sources with existing knowledge is essential for showing the relationships between different historical events and developments.

8. Draw Conclusions:

   • Finally, write a conclusion that discusses how this primary source contributes to our understanding of history. Based on the evidence, make a historical argument about its significance.
   • This is your opportunity to demonstrate the source’s value in shedding light on past events, and to position it within the broader historical narrative.

By following these steps, you’ll have a structured, clear, and well-supported analysis of your primary source. Make sure each section is thoughtful, direct, and concise, with an emphasis on how the source contributes to your understanding of history. Good luck, and remember—tackling one section at a time will make this assignment much easier!