US Early 1700
First Nations & Colonization, Through Early 1700s
The assessments below focus on people and events in Native American and Colonial American history, through the early 1700s. Although Native Americans are often the subject of these sources, the writers are usually white colonial settlers and explorers. Some of these topics include the First Thanksgiving and writings by John Smith. Other topics address early colonial governments and settlement, witchcraft in New England, and events of the French and Indian War.
Standard 1 Assessments (Cite Evidence)
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Jean Leon Gerome, “The First Thanksgiving 1621” (Painting), 1932
Standard 2 Assessments (Determine Central Idea)
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Petition for Bail from Accused Witches, 1692
Standard 3 Assessments (Analyze Steps or Series of Details)
Identify key steps in a text's description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).
Smith, "Virginia, Discovered and Discribed" (Map), 1624
Standard 4 Assessments (Determine Word or Phrase Meaning)
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Standard 5 Assessments (Analyze Structure)
Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally).
Smith, "Virginia, Discovered and Discribed" (Map), 1624
Standard 6 Assessments (Analyze Point of View)
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
Jean Leon Gerome, “The First Thanksgiving 1621” (Painting), 1932
Standard 7 Assessments (Integrate Information from Diverse Formats)
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
Standard 8 Assessments (Evaluate or Compare Claims)
Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.
Standard 9 Assessments (Compare and Contrast Sources)
Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.
Coming soon
Disclaimer:
Southern Illinois University has been a proud member of the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program. Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS program and other collaborators listed here does not indicate an endorsement of the Library of Congress, the National Science Foundation, or any other agency.