Final answer:
Identifying if a source is primary or secondary involves considering its directness to the event; primary being firsthand accounts, secondary being analysis of these accounts. You should critically evaluate the evidence each source provides and ensure secondary sources are used to support, not dominate, your argument. Always aim for a high proportion of original ideas in your work and use credible, peer-reviewed sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a source is primary or secondary, you have to look at its nature and origin. A primary source provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. Examples include diaries, speeches, interviews, research data, and original documents like a charter or treaty. On the other hand, a secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event and may include commentaries, reviews, or scholarly articles. To assess the reliability, you should differentiate between the writer's words and ideas and their sources' words and ideas.
Asking critical questions is crucial in evaluating how an author views a historical event, like the influence of the Mongols. You might consider whether the author's evidence suggests the world would be better or worse off without them, and which document seems most reliable based on supporting evidence. Secondary sources should support, not overpower, your argument; aim for 80-90% of your writing to be your original ideas. When referencing secondary sources, it is important to use a summary, quotation, and paraphrase with intention and include clear in-text citations.
When reviewing sources, especially online, it's essential to evaluate their credibility, consistency with other sources, and the academic consensus on the author's work. Being selective and choosing credible, peer-reviewed sources is key to the strength of your work.