Expanding the Content of an Outline Using Notes
from Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary sources are firsthand information taken from original evidences such as reports
on discoveries and events and interviews from persons in authority.
Secondary sources are secondhand information taken from the primary sources.
Examples of primary and secondary sources which will be used in expanding the contents of
your outline.
Examples of primary sources Examples of secondary sources
include: include:
• diaries, letter correspondence,
• original documents e.g. birth • journal articles that comment on or
certificates, trial records analyses research
• interviews, speeches, oral • textbooks
histories • dictionaries and encyclopedias
• laws, regulations, constitutions • books that interpret, analyze
• government documents, • political commentary
statistical data, research reports • biographies
• journal article reporting new • dissertations
research or findings • newspaper editorial/columns
• creative art works, literature • criticism or literature, art works or
• opinion pieces music
Source: "Primary And Secondary Sources", UNSW Sydney Library, April 23, 2021,
https://www.library.unsw.edu.au/study/information-resources/ primary-and-secondary-
sources
Some examples are usually can’t be seen in our normal days like encyclopedias, yet do you
think that these sources are still relevant and important in today’s modern world?
Example:
Thesis Statement: COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult
challenge faced by the government because it has
brought massive breakdown to the economy,
destabilization of the educational system, and
anxieties among families and communities in the
country.
I. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic
A. World Economy
1. Travel
2. Tourism
3. Manufacturing
4. Family income
We have here the examples of primary source and secondary source.
Expanding the Content of an Outline Using Notes
from Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Source: (research report)
World Health Organization advised countries to strengthen public health surveillance for
case identification and contact tracing, including in low-resource, weak, or high-risk
settings and to maintain essential health services with sufficient funding, supplies, and
human resources. Countries were advised to implement fair measures and advice on
travel, based on risk assessments, and to review these measures regularly.
Source: “COVID-19 Emergency Committee highlights need for response efforts over
long term”, World Health Organization, August 1, 2021, https://www.who.int/news
/item/01-08-2020-covid-19-emergency-committee-highlights-need-for-response-efforts-
over-long-term
Secondary Source: (editorial)
While COVID-19 presents a healthcare crisis, the economic paralysis that nations will
experience because of current and future expected shutdowns/lockdowns and
mandatory quarantines will likely be even more catastrophic. Even as there is a
critical need for the world to collectively engage with the virus SARS-CoV-2 and the
COVID-19 disease it causes, there is a visible lack of leadership at a global level.
Source: Banerjee D, “The COVID-19 outbreak: the crucial role psychiatrists can play”
Asian J. Psychiatr, 2020, [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Let us now analyze the sources when put into the outline.
Expanding the Content of an Outline Using Notes
from Primary and Secondary Sources
Activity: The Chatterbox
Directions: Find your partner and ask him/her the given questions (vice-versa). Then,
collect the answers as your primary source. Create an outline using the answers of your
interviewee.
Questions:
1. Could you describe any changes in the weather patterns in your local area that
you've noticed over the past few years?
2. Have you personally experienced any effects of extreme weather events, such as
increased heatwaves, floods, or droughts? If so, how did these events impact your
life?
3. How has the discussion or awareness of global warming changed in your community
or social circles over time?
4. In your daily life, are there any specific actions you've taken, or changes you've
made, in response to concerns about global warming?
5. Looking towards the future, what are your biggest concerns about the potential
impacts of global warming, and what gives you hope?
Assessment: General Directions: Read and analyze each item carefully and answer as
directed. Answer this on a one-half (1/2) crosswise.
Test 1: Know Your Source!
Directions: Read the following statements. Determine if the following statements are
primary sources or secondary sources. Write letter P for primary source and letter S for
secondary source on a one-half (1/2) crosswise.
1. I was watching GMA news and one of the reporters’ presented data about the
number of patients that have recovered from Covid-19.
2. I have found a letter in the locker room of my friend the other day. I know it is
private, but I read it anyway.
3. My friends and I found an old wedding painting in our attic. My father said it
belonged to my grandmother.
4. I am reading textbooks to search more information about Philippine history.
5. My friend, David, said that I should read the history book which he really liked. It
sounds good!
Expanding the Content of an Outline Using Notes
from Primary and Secondary Sources
6. I was also looking into the artworks of Dr. Jose Rizal to help me in my History class
research project.
7. I am writing an essay about Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for my Social Science
subject. I use articles from Wikipedia and Encyclopedia.
8. I am doing homework on a current health issue, so I read the commentaries of
medical professionals
about COVID-19 positive cases.
9. I have read sports magazines. I really like the articles written by sports enthusiasts
about UAAP players.
Test II.
Directions: Read the excerpts below and complete the table. (2 points each)
1. An excerpt from a news article
MANILA, Philippines — More than 16,000 persons have recovered from the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) as the Philippines’ total caseload reached 189,000, the Department of Health (DOH)
reported Sunday.
In its daily COVID-19 case bulletin, the DOH reported 16,459 new recoveries, bringing the total
number of recoveries to 131,367.
The health department also recorded 2,378 more people that contracted the respiratory disease,
which brings the total number of cases to 189,601.
Meanwhile, the total COVID-19 death toll is now at 2,998 after 32 more people died from the disease.
Source: Aguilar, Krissy, “DOH: Over 16,000 recover from COVID-19 as cases reach 189K”, Philippine
Daily Inquirer, August 23, 2020, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1325943/break-doh-over -16000-
recover-from-covid-19-as-cases-reach-189k#ixzz6VzqATLOz
Excerpt What is the main Is it a firsthand What type of
topic? information? source is the
excerpt?
News Article
