How to read a primary document

1. Skills for Social Studies Nine
Week Exams

2. How to use a Primary of Secondary
Source on your Nine Week Exam
1. Identify the author’s viewpoint. What do you
know about him/her?
2. Think about the characteristics of propaganda. Is
only one side of the issue presented?
3. Determine the purpose of the source. Does the
author want you to take a particular view?
4. Read the question and analyze each answer.
5. Circle the BEST answer to the question.

4. Account One of Boston Massacre
• Charles Hobby, a Boston labourer
I then saw a party of soldiers loading their
muskets about the Custom-house door, after
which they all shouldered. I heard some of the
inhabitants cry out, “heave no snow balls,”
others cried “they dare not fire.”

5. Con’t
Captain Preston was then standing by the
soldiers, when a snow ball struck a grenadier,
who immediately fired, Captain Preston standing
close by him. The Captain then spoke distinctly,
“Fire, Fire!” I was then within four feet of Capt.
Preston, and know him well. The soldiers fired
as fast as they could one after another.

6. Account Two of Boston Massacre
• Daniel Cornwall, Boston citizen
Captain Preston was within two yards of me and
before the men and nearest to the right and facing
the Street. I was looking at him. Did not hear any
order. He faced me. I think I should have heard him.
I directly heard a voice say “Damn you, why do you
fire? Don’t fire”. I thought it was the Captain’s then.
I now believe it.

8. How to Analyze a Cartoon
1. Identify the images in the cartoon and decide
what each represents
2. Examine any labels or words in the cartoon
3. Analyze the meaning and decide what the
cartoonist is trying to say.