Which two types of primary sources might a student examine to study a historical event?

• A. Textbooks and encyclopedias.
• B. Diaries and government records.
• C. Novels and films.
• D. Advertisements and recipes.

Answer: (B)

Primary sources are original records created at the time of the event, providing direct evidence about what happened. Diaries fit this idea because they are personal, contemporaneous accounts that reflect individual experiences, observations, and reactions. Government records are another strong example because they come from official authorities and document decisions, policies, and actions as they occurred. Together, they give a direct glimpse into the event from both personal and formal perspectives.

Textbooks and encyclopedias are secondary sources—they summarize and interpret information after the fact. Novels and films are usually fictional or dramatized interpretations, though they can offer cultural context, they don’t provide the direct record of events. Advertisements and recipes show aspects of daily life but don’t capture the event itself as clearly as diaries and government records.