Which statement best defines a primary source?

• A. A modern encyclopedia article
• B. A document or object created during the time under study
• C. A secondary analysis
• D. A diary entry created during the event

Answer: (B)

Primary sources are original materials produced at the time the events occurred or by people involved, offering direct evidence from the period. The statement that best defines a primary source captures this idea by describing a document or object created during the time under study. That timing is what sets it apart from later interpretations. Modern encyclopedia articles are written after the fact and synthesize information, so they’re secondary sources. A secondary analysis goes further into interpretation rather than presenting original material from the period. A diary entry created during the event is indeed a primary source, but the broader definition in this option covers the full range of original artifacts or documents from the time, making it the most accurate choice.