Origin
What is the source- a speech/cartoon/textbook, etc.?
Why does this document exist?
What is the main idea of the source?
Under what circumstances was the piece created and how does the piece reflect those circumstances?
What part of the story can we NOT tell from this document?
Who is the author?
Why did the author create this piece of work? What is the intent?
What arguments, analysis, or conclusion are present within the source’s content?
What value does this source have that might not be available elsewhere?
Does this piece inaccurately reflect anything about the time period?
When was it published?
Why did the author choose this particular format?
Is the language objective or does it sound exaggerated or one-sided?
What new information does this piece bring to the understanding of the topic?
Does the author represent a particular ‘side’ of a controversy or event?
What was the historic context in which the source was created?
Who is the intended audience? Who was the author thinking would receive this?
What is the tone of the source?
What can we tell about any controversies from the piece?
How might the historical context in which the document was created influence the interpretation of the document?
Is there anything we know about the author that is pertinent to our evaluation?
What do you think the author was trying to communicate to readers?
What information and examples do they select of focus on to support their point?
What was going on in history at the time the piece was created and how does this piece accurately reflect it?
Does the author have reason or motive to emphasize certain facts over other facts?