Source Evaluation and Context
"Evaluate the usefulness" questions need you to assess sources as historical evidence. Start with "Source A is useful as evidence of... to an extent" then provide three quoted examples with explanations. Balance this by noting three things the source doesn't mention.
Source provenance is absolutely crucial for top marks. Check the author, date, type, and purpose using this handy guide:
The date matters enormously - was it written before, during, or after events? A 1706 source on the Act of Union reflects opinions at the time, while a 1708 source comments on actual effects.
Source types have different strengths: diaries and letters offer honest personal views, speeches show expert knowledge, whilst leaflets reveal contemporary concerns. Understanding these differences helps you evaluate reliability effectively.
Remember: Context is everything - the same event looks completely different depending on when and why someone wrote about it!