APPARTS

One means of coming to grips with the real meaning of a primary sources is to apply the APPARTS method. You should learn to do this everytime you come into contact with a new document. Remember, just reading the words, does not mean that you understand the signifiance of the document itself. A few moments spent applying this tool will help you obtain a better understanding of the text in question.

* Author - Who created the source? What is their point of view?

* Place and Time -Where and when was the source produced?

* Prior Knowledge - What do you already know that would further your understanding of this sources?

* Audience - For whom was the source created? Does this affect the reliability of the source?

* Reason - Why was this source produced at the time is was produced?

* The Main Idea - What is the source trying to convey?

* Significance - Why is this source important?