Which pairing correctly differentiates a primary source from a secondary source, with an example?

• A. Primary: a video interview; Secondary: a news article about the interview
• B. Primary: the news article about the event; Secondary: the video interview
• C. Primary: a diary entry; Secondary: a government report
• D. Primary: a government report; Secondary: a diary entry

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is what this question is testing. A primary source is an original, firsthand record created at the time of the event or by someone directly involved. A secondary source analyzes, interprets, or summarizes those first-hand materials.

A video interview is a direct recording of someone speaking about an event or topic, capturing their own words and perspective. That makes it a primary source. A news article about that interview, on the other hand, reports on what the interview contained and adds further context or interpretation. That’s why it’s considered secondary.

The pairing shown uses the video interview as the original, firsthand material and the article about the interview as the later analysis or synthesis, which fits the distinction cleanly. In the other options, the classifications become murky: a diary entry is typically a primary source, and a government report often presents original data or findings (also primary), so labeling one as secondary isn’t accurate.