Navigation
Comparing stories told by people who were there versus people who researched the event later.
If you and your best friend both saw a dog chase a squirrel, would you tell the story exactly the same way? What if your teacher, who didn't see it, tried to tell the story later by talking to you both?
A firsthand account is a description of an event coming directly from someone who was actually there to see or experience it. Think of it like being a witness! Because the author was present, they often use pronouns like I, me, and we. These accounts are filled with personal feelings, smells, sounds, and specific details that only a person standing there would know. Common examples include diaries, journals, letters, and interviews. When you read a firsthand account, you are getting the 'inside scoop' on how the event felt to a real person.
Read this short diary entry: 1. 'Today at AM, the sky turned charcoal gray. I felt the first cold drop hit my nose, and suddenly, we were all sprinting for the door! My shoes were soaked, and I could hear the thunder rattling the windows.' 2. This is a firsthand account because the author uses 'I' and describes personal feelings (cold drops, hearing thunder).
Quick Check
If you write a letter to your grandma about your birthday party, is that a firsthand or secondhand account?
Answer
It is a firsthand account because you were there and experienced the party yourself.
A secondhand account is written by someone who was not there when the event happened. Instead, they act like a detective! They research the event by reading many firsthand accounts, looking at photos, and checking facts. They use pronouns like he, she, and they. The purpose of a secondhand account is usually to give a broad, balanced view of what happened. You will find these in textbooks, biographies, and encyclopedias. While they might lack the 'feelings' of a witness, they are great for learning the factual 'big picture' of an event.
Read this textbook paragraph: 1. 'On Tuesday morning, the local elementary school experienced a sudden rainstorm. Students were moved inside quickly to avoid the heavy downpour. Records show that inches of rain fell in just minutes.' 2. This is a secondhand account because the author is reporting facts about 'the students' and 'the school' rather than their own experience.
Quick Check
What is one common place you might find a secondhand account?
Answer
In a textbook, encyclopedia, or biography.
When we compare accounts, we look at what is shared and how it is shared. A firsthand account might focus on the fear of a storm, while a secondhand account focuses on the wind speed of the storm. Neither one is 'better,' but they serve different purposes. To tell them apart, look for 'clue words.' If you see 'I saw,' it's likely firsthand. If you see 'It was reported,' it's likely secondhand. By reading both, you get the most complete story possible!
Imagine comparing two texts about the Moon Landing: 1. Text A: An interview with Neil Armstrong saying, 'I felt a sense of awe as I looked back at Earth.' 2. Text B: A science book stating, 'The Apollo mission successfully landed on the moon on July , .' 3. Comparison: Text A (Firsthand) tells us about the emotion of the astronaut. Text B (Secondhand) tells us the exact date and the name of the mission.
Which of these is a clue that you are reading a firsthand account?
Why would a writer create a secondhand account?
A biography written about George Washington in the year is a firsthand account.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain to a family member the difference between a 'witness' (firsthand) and a 'researcher' (secondhand).
Practice Activity
Find a news article online. Look for quotes from people who were there (firsthand) and compare them to the reporter's summary (secondhand).