Australian Year 10 History Practice Test 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

A primary source is a direct piece of evidence from the time period being studied, created by someone who experienced or witnessed the events. In Australian history, an original artefact from the period, such as a WWI soldier's letter, is a classic example because it comes from the people who lived through the events and offers first-hand insight into their experiences.

This kind of source stands in contrast to items that synthesise or interpret the past. A modern history textbook, for instance, presents a curated overview after the fact. A scholarly article analyzes sources to draw conclusions, and a recently produced documentary typically retells events using multiple sources to build a narrative. These are considered secondary sources because they discuss, interpret, or compile information rather than providing direct, unfiltered evidence from the period.