1. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Informational Text
Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Feature Menu
Informational Texts
Connecting to the Literature
Introducing the Informational Texts
Vocabulary
Informational Reading Focus: Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Assignment

2. Connecting to the Literature
Mrs. Jones in “Thank You, M’am” helps a boy who might otherwise end up on the wrong path. In the following primary and secondary sources, you’ll meet real people who also help others, and you’ll learn about community service in the process.
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3. Introducing the Informational Texts
“Teaching Chess, and Life”
“Community Service & You”
“Feeding Frenzy”

4. Introducing the Informational Texts
“Teaching Chess, and Life”
How did learning to play chess change one young man’s life?
To find out, read “Teaching Chess, and Life.”

5. Introducing the Informational Texts
“Community Service & You”
Have you ever thought about volunteering in your community? Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference?
Read “Community Service & You” to find out about the various volunteer opportunities for young people.

6. Introducing the Informational Texts
“Feeding Frenzy”
What happens when a young man decides to devote his time and energy to begin a surplus food-sharing program in his own school district?
Learn how David Levitt overcame bureaucratic red tape to make his dream a reality in “Feeding Frenzy.”
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7. Vocabulary Vocabulary Development
mentorship n.: advice or lessons from a mentor, or wise teacher
intimidating v. used as adj.: frightening
endeavors n.: serious attempts, efforts, or undertakings
legislation n.: law or body of laws

8. Vocabulary Vocabulary Development
bureaucratic adj.: relating to rigid government routine
undaunted adj.: not discouraged by a difficulty or setback

9. Vocabulary Vocabulary Practice
mentorship
intimidating
endeavors
bureaucratic
undaunted
Vocabulary Practice
Fill in the blanks with Word Bank words.
1. The barking dogs were __________ to the small child.
2. As town mayor, Nodra had grown tired of the job’s __________ constraints.
intimidating
bureaucratic
3. All serious __________ require patience and hard work.
4. A newly hired athletic trainer benefits from the __________ of an experienced professional.
5. The team persevered, __________ by the disappointing loss.
endeavors
mentorship
undaunted
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10. Primary Sources Primary sources are firsthand accounts.
Writers may reveal their experiences, opinions, and ideas.
Click here to listen to a firsthand account of the championship game.

11. Primary Sources Primary Sources Autobiographies Letters Interviews
Speeches
Eyewitness Reports
Essays
Editorials
Oral Histories
Letters
Autobiographies
Speeches
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12. Secondary Sources Secondary sources are secondhand accounts.
They are often based on more than one viewpoint.
Writers summarize, interpret, or analyze events in which they did not participate.

13. Secondary Sources Secondary Sources Encyclopedia Articles
Reference Works
Textbooks
Newspaper Articles
Biographies
Magazine Articles
Encyclopedias
Textbooks
Newspaper Articles
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14. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Using the sources: Follow these steps to get the most out of your sources.
Identify
Analyze
Evaluate
Elaborate

15. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Identify.
Is the source a primary or secondary source?
Analyze.
What is the main idea?
How does the author support the main idea?
Who is the author’s audience?
What is the author’s purpose?

16. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Quick Check
Is this a primary or secondary source? How do you know?
Many kids my age in Washington Heights wind up in gangs, as drug dealers, in jail, or dead. I decided long ago that I would not end up in one of those situations because of the consequences I saw others suffer. I have stuck by this decision with help from several important people. One of the most influential people in my life is my former chess coach and current boss, Jeremy Chiappetta, who has taught me a lot about chess and more about life.
from “Teaching Chess, and Life” by Carlos Capellan (from an essay adapted by The New York Times, September 3, 2000)
What is the main idea?

17. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Quick Check
Who is the author’s audience?
Many kids my age in Washington Heights wind up in gangs, as drug dealers, in jail, or dead. I decided long ago that I would not end up in one of those situations because of the consequences I saw others suffer. I have stuck by this decision with help from several important people. One of the most influential people in my life is my former chess coach and current boss, Jeremy Chiappetta, who has taught me a lot about chess and more about life.
from “Teaching Chess, and Life” by Carlos Capellan (from an essay adapted by The New York Times, September 3, 2000)
What is the author’s purpose?

18. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Evaluate.
Is the writer presenting objective facts, subjective opinions, or a mix of both?
Is the factual information accurate? (If in doubt, check the accuracy by reading other sources.)
Are the author’s opinions supported by evidence and logical reasoning?
Do you agree with the author’s message?

19. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Quick Check
Do you think the essay will be objective or subjective? Why?
Many kids my age in Washington Heights wind up in gangs, as drug dealers, in jail, or dead. I decided long ago that I would not end up in one of those situations because of the consequences I saw others suffer. I have stuck by this decision with help from several important people. One of the most influential people in my life is my former chess coach and current boss, Jeremy Chiappetta, who has taught me a lot about chess and more about life.
from “Teaching Chess, and Life” by Carlos Capellan (from an essay adapted by The New York Times, September 3, 2000)

20. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Elaborate.
Present your own ideas on the topic.
Do further research.
Check to see if a secondary source has a bibliography or a list of works cited. These contain other useful sources of information.

21. Using Primary and Secondary Sources
Quick Check
What lessons about life might someone learn from playing chess?
Many kids my age in Washington Heights wind up in gangs, as drug dealers, in jail, or dead. I decided long ago that I would not end up in one of those situations because of the consequences I saw others suffer. I have stuck by this decision with help from several important people. One of the most influential people in my life is my former chess coach and current boss, Jeremy Chiappetta, who has taught me a lot about chess and more about life.
from “Teaching Chess, and Life” by Carlos Capellan (from an essay adapted by The New York Times, September 3, 2000)
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22. Assignment
As you read “Teaching Chess, and Life,” “Community Service & You,” and “Feeding Frenzy”
identify each text as either a primary or a secondary source
analyze each text and identify the main idea and purpose
elaborate on ideas presented in these texts
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23. The End