What defines a primary source?

• A. An original, firsthand source created at the time of the event
• B. A secondhand account synthesized later
• C. A summary from another author's report
• D. A textbook overview

Answer: (A)

Primary sources are original, firsthand materials produced during the event or by someone with direct involvement. They capture evidence as it happened and from the creator’s own perspective, without later interpretation. Examples include diaries, letters, official records, photographs, and physical artifacts. This is exactly what the option describes: an original, firsthand source created at the time of the event.

Other options describe sources that come after the fact and rely on someone else’s interpretation or synthesis. A secondhand account, a summary from another author, or a textbook overview all restate or analyze information rather than presenting the direct evidence itself.