Start by reading or viewing the primary source you chose and beginning the analysis of its meaning by making notes on your answers to the questions below:
1.    What kind of primary source is it?
2.    Who is the author or creator (if known)?
3.    Can you tell why was it written or created?
4.    Can you tell who the intended audience was?
5.    What is the primary source’s tone? 

What words and phrases (and/or scenes and visual perspectives) convey it?
6.    What are the author’s or creator’s values and assumptions? Is there visible bias?
7.    What information does it relate? Did the author or creator have first-hand knowledge of the subject or did s/he report what others saw and heard?
8.    What issues does it address?
9.    What is your overall assessment of the primary source and its usefulness/significance for the historical study of your topic?