College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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Are you preparing for the College Composition CLEP exam and looking for a reliable study resource? Look no further! Our College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam is your key to success!

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What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

A primary source is written by an expert and a secondary source is written by a non-expert.
A primary source is firsthand knowledge and a secondary source is secondhand knowledge.
A primary source is a published work and a secondary source is an unpublished work.
A primary source is an original work and a secondary source is a commentary on that work.

The correct answer is: A primary source is firsthand knowledge and a secondary source is secondhand knowledge.

A primary source is considered firsthand knowledge because it is created by someone who directly experienced or witnessed the event or topic being discussed. This can include things like personal letters, diaries, or original research. A secondary source, on the other hand, is considered secondhand knowledge because it is based on someone else's analysis or interpretation of the primary sources. This can include things like textbooks, biographies, or journal articles that summarize or analyze the primary sources. Option A is incorrect because the expertise of the author does not determine if a source is primary or secondary. Option C is incorrect because source type, not publication status, distinguishes between primary and secondary sources. Option D is incorrect because commentary on a primary source would still be considered a secondary source.