The Library of Congress

Evaluating Primary Sources

Bloom's Taxonomy

Areas Skills Examples
Knowledge
  • Observe
  • Names
  • Dates
  • Places
  • When was this taken?

  • What is the condition of the source?
Comprehension
  • Understand
  • Grasp meaning
  • Compare and contrast
  • Group
  • Put in order
  • Interpret
  • What is happening in this picture?

  • Why are these men out here in the middle of a field?
Application
  • Use information in new situations
  • Create a newspaper surrounding a particular event during this source's time period.
Analysis
  • Identify parts
  • Observe patterns
  • Organize segments
  • Recognize hidden meanings
  • What was the technology surrounding this source?

  • Why was this source created?
Synthesis
  • Create new ideas from old ones
  • Make generalizations
  • Use gathered knowledge in relationships
  • Predict
  • Come to a conclusion
  • What possible problems can the photographer face being "on the road" with his equipment and supplies?
Evaluation
  • Compare and discriminate between ideas
  • Assess value of theories
  • Presentations
  • Make choices based on reasoned argument
  • Verify value of evidence
  • Recognize subjectivity
  • Assess the importance of the photograph to civilians during the war.

  • Compare the contemporary photographer with that of the 19th century photographer. How are their lives similar? Consider equipment, transportation, journalistic requirements, hazardous duty, etc.

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Last updated 09/26/2002