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Analyzing a Primary Source Rubric

Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________
Class: ________________________________________

	Exemplary	Adequate	Minimal	Attempted
Analysis of Document	Offers in-depth analysis and interpretation of the document; distinguishes between fact and opinion; explores reliability of author; compares and contrasts author's point of view with views of others	Offers accurate analysis of the document	Demonstrates only a minimal understanding of the document	Reiterates one or two facts from the document but does not offer any analysis or interpretation of the document
Knowledge of Historical Context	Shows evidence of thorough knowledge of period in which source was written; relates primary source to specific historical context in which it was written	Uses previous general historical knowledge to examine issues included in document	Limited use of previous historical knowledge without complete accuracy	Barely indicates any previous historical knowledge
Identification of Key Issues/Main Points	Identifies the key issues and main points included in the primary source; shows understanding of author's goal(s)	Identifies most but not all of the key issues and main points in the primary source	Describes in general terms one issue or concept included in the primary source	Deals only briefly and vaguely with the key issues and main points in the document
Resources	Uses several outside resources in addition to primary source	Uses 1—2 outside resources in addition to primary source	Relies heavily on the material/information provided	Relies exclusively on the material/information provided; no evidence of outside resources
Identification of Literary Devices	Analyzes author's use of literary devices such as repetition, irony, analogy, and sarcasm	Mentions author's use of literary devices but does not develop fully	Does not discuss author's use of literary devices	Does not discuss author's use of literary devices
Understanding of Audience	Shows strong understanding of author's audience	Shows some understanding of author's audience	Shows little understanding of author's audience	Shows no understanding of author's audience

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This primary source lesson from the Library of Congress Web site introduces students to primary sources and explains how to analyze them.

Analyzing a Primary Source Evaluation Form

Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________
Class: ________________________________________

	Exemplary	Adequate	Minimal	Attempted
Analysis of Document
Knowledge of Historical Context
Identification of Key Issues/Main Points
Resources
Identification of Literary Devices
Understanding of Audience

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