Opvl Chart

BIFS IB History OPVL Chart
Document Type
Diary Entry

Origin
 Is it a primary source?  Who wrote it?  Was this person a key individual?  When in the course of events was it written?

Purpose
 Private reflection?  Private reflection with the view to being published later in a memoir?  Attempts to justify actions?

Value
 Content  Eyewitness account  Person was part of the decision-making process  Could be candid and honest

Limitations
 Personal involvement could lead to mistruths, omissions, justifications for actions and undue emphasis placed on certain events.  Might be written with a view to later publication and therefore wanting to appear in a positive light.  Needs to be cross-referenced with other primary sources.  Personal involvement could lead to mistruths, omissions, justifications for actions and undue emphasis placed on certain events.  Might be written with a view to later publication and therefore wanting to appear in a positive light.  Needs to be cross-referenced with other primary sources.  Personal involvement could lead to mistruths, omissions, justifications for actions and undue emphasis placed on certain events.  Propaganda?  Facts omitted or exaggerated to suit the audience.  Needs to be cross-referenced with other primary sources.

Letter

 Is it a primary source?  Who wrote it?  Was this person a key individual?  When in the course of events was it written?

 Private and candid comments between individuals?  Not necessarily intended for public consumption?  Attempt to justify actions?  Attempt to persuade the recipient to follow a course or action?  Public statement of thoughts or of official policies?  Propaganda?  Facts omitted or exaggerated to suit the audience?

 Content  Eyewitness account  Person was part of the decision-making process  Could be candid and honest

Speech

 Is it a primary source?  Who delivered the speech?  Was this person a key individual?  When in