Primary Source Template 1
Source context: [creator] produced [source] in [date/context] for [audience/purpose].
4 Primary Source Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
Using primary sources well requires identifying what the source can directly show, who created it, under what conditions, for what audience or purpose, and what important information it cannot provide on its own.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
Primary Source Template 2
Evidence claim: The source directly shows [observable detail], which supports [bounded interpretation].
Primary Source Template 3
Limitation: This source cannot establish [claim] because [missing perspective/design/context].
Primary Source Template 4
Corroboration: Compare [primary source A] with [primary source B/secondary analysis] on [specific point].