Primary and Secondary Sources: Historical Document Analysis
Option A: Primary Source Definition
The text we will discuss is a primary source, i.e., a document produced contemporary to the historical period that we are analyzing.
Option B: Secondary Source Definition
The text we will discuss is a secondary source, i.e., a document prepared after the historical period that we are analyzing, which analyzes or describes events that occurred in the past.
Analyzing the Historical Document
This is a (indicate whether legal, political, testimonial, economic, social, etc., and why) document, which leads us to the history of (state the event) which began in (indicate place: city, country, continent) from/to (insert date). The text is a piece of (insert the name of the paper and work), (written, approved, ratified, signed, etc.) by (indicate the author/authors and a significant element if known). By its nature, it was intended for (indicate whether public or private) disclosure of (specify the recipient of the text) for the purpose of making known (indicate the overall idea of the text very briefly).
Formal and Thematic Structure
From the formal point of view, the text is organized in/into (explain if it is in paragraphs, parts, articulated in a single block, etc.). Thematically, the text discusses (indicate the main idea of the text and secondary ideas), all expressed in a (metaphorical, technical, rhetorical, more or less formal/standard, etc.) language, characteristic of this type of historical document.
Historical Context and Significance
The immediate origin of this document is in (discuss the historical process leading to the drafting of the document). In this context (explain the process discussed in the text, what the text says or does not say, etc.).
In summary, the (insert the name of the historical fact under discussion) was a fundamental/important/interesting fact for (indicate the event to which it fits). Its importance in the course of (indicate the event which includes it and an assessment) has historical transcendence.
Analyzing an Opinion Article
A) Structure and Content of the Article
This text, written by (author), belongs to the realm of journalism, and it is an opinion article extracted from the newspaper (name of the newspaper). In it, the author talks about (topic). The predominant type of text is expository and argumentative, as the author explains a number of events and also seeks to convince by reasoning about the validity of their opinion. According to its internal structure, we can divide the text into three parts: first, an introduction, where the author introduces the subject to be treated and raises their thesis; then, the development, where the author develops the idea that they want to defend; and finally, the conclusion. The main ideas of the text are, and as secondary ideas, we could say that they are all the qualifications and explanations given in more detail that complement the main ideas. The author’s thesis is and has placed. The function of language that prevails in the text is expressive because the author expresses their opinion; appellative, as it attempts to influence the receiver; and representative because it refers to reality.
Modalization, Argumentation, and Register
For modalization, the text is marked by the selection of some evaluative character words like and figures of speech like. The argument used by the author includes examples and facts. The register used is the standard variety, characteristic of a text in a medium with an average degree of formality.
B) Critical Evaluation of the Article
The subject matter is of (little, much) social interest today. The author (does, does not, somewhat) achieve their purpose, which is to guide and inform our view on the subject. The arguments used are (or are not) ideal for defending their thesis. The issue is dealt with (or not) in depth. The text is aimed at. This topic can be related to (movie, book, etc.) which also addresses this issue. The language register used (does or does not) contribute to understanding the text. (Consider how the text is written, the resources used, whether they help to understand and enliven the text or not. We can add other arguments in defense of the text or disagree. We may also consider. In conclusion…)