Question

Consider the writing prompt.

Write an informative, research-based essay that explains the main causes and effects of the Korean War.

Which research source is both a secondary source and a source that would be relevant to the prompt?

a book about the Korean War written by a contemporary historian
an interview of an eyewitness to some of the major battles of the Korean War
a speech by President Harry Truman about fighting communism through the Korean War
an encyclopedia entry about the geography of the region where the Korean War was fought

Answer 1

Answer: a book about the Korean War written by a contemporary historian.

Reason: A contemporary historian’s book is a secondary source because it synthesizes and interprets primary materials (documents, speeches, eyewitness accounts) and other scholarship. That interpretive, analytical work directly addresses causes and consequences of the war, so it is highly relevant to an essay explaining the main causes and effects.

Brief note on the others: the eyewitness interview and Truman’s speech are primary sources (useful for evidence and perspective but not secondary analysis). The encyclopedia entry is a secondary source but focuses on geography and would be only tangentially useful for causes/effects.