How to answer source questions

Question 0

Source question type 2: Similarities and differences

“Do the sources agree about…?”

Answer 0

• what they agree and disagree on
• describe their tone,approach, message
• why the sources are similar or different
• think why it was written and for what purpose
• conclusion summing up how and/or why they are similar or different

Question 1

Source question type: Extraction

“What can we learn from sources A and B about?

Answer 1

• write at least 3 things the source tells you.
• is there a message in the source/ what impression is it giving
• ## what does source tell you about the author

Question 2

Source question type 3: Reliability

“How reliable is…”

Answer 2

• why it might be biased or exaggerated
• establish who wrote it
• what the source misses out
• conclusion with evidence

Question 3

Source question type 4: Utility

“How useful is source D to an historian studying surgery in the Middle Ages?”

Answer 3

• how much information doe sit give and how useful is it
• if the source is giving info you need
• who produced it and wether you can trust them
• what it reveals about the author feelings,prejudices and opinions.

Question 4

Source question type 5: Final

“ use all the sources to debate….”

Answer 4

• the sources will back up one side or the other
• use them to argue against
• take into account and reliability