Ask who, when and why

A historical source may be a letter, inscription, object, image or later account. Begin by identifying who produced it, when it was produced and the purpose it may have served. A source can be valuable even when it presents only one person’s view.

Separate observation from interpretation

An inscription may state that a ruler ordered a building project. This supports a claim about the recorded order. It does not, by itself, prove that every part of the work was completed or that all people supported it. Look for other evidence before extending the claim.

Build an evidence paragraph

Make a point. Name the evidence. Explain how the evidence supports the point. Then acknowledge a relevant limit or compare another source. This structure gives the reader a reason to accept the conclusion.

Corroborate carefully

Two accounts agreeing can strengthen a conclusion, but ask whether one copied the other. Independent evidence is useful because it offers another route to checking a claim.

Practice question and worked answer

Does a ruler praising a successful harvest prove that every household had enough food? No. The statement tells us what was publicly claimed. Evidence about local harvests, distribution and living conditions would help assess household experiences.

Source & credits

Original content: Science With Jasseeth

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