How to Read a Historical Source
Establish creator, audience and purpose before interpreting a historical source's message.
Worked model: How to Read a Historical Source
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Establish creator, audience and purpose before interpreting a historical source's message
- 2Separate what the source states from what the reader infers
- 3Use a specific detail to support an interpretation
- 4Name a limit and identify what another source could clarify
A recruiting poster shows a message its creators wanted to promote. It cannot establish that everyone accepted the message. A diary or survey could supply different evidence.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Choose a source with known creator, audience, date and purpose.
- 1
Establish creator, audience and purpose before interpreting a historical source's message.
- 2
Separate what the source states from what the reader infers.
- 3
Use a specific detail to support an interpretation.
- 4
Name a limit and identify what another source could clarify.
EAL upgrade
Remove the context grid once learners can ask the source questions independently.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Choose a source with known creator, audience, date and purpose.
Establish creator, audience and purpose before interpreting a historical source's message. Separate what the source states from what the reader infers.
Ask for one supported claim and one claim requiring additional evidence.
Remove the context grid once learners can ask the source questions independently.
What to look for
Ask for one supported claim and one claim requiring additional evidence.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Establish creator, audience and purpose before interpreting a historical source's message.
What can this source establish, and what needs another source?
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Science: evaluate what a measurement can establish. English: distinguish a narrator’s account from an author’s intention.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.