SAT Subject Test in World History

An in-depth exploration of significant events, themes, and figures in world history, preparing students for the SAT Subject Test.

Practical Applications

Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources

Becoming a History Detective

Historians use different types of sources to learn about the past.

Primary Sources

These are original materials from the time being studied, like diaries, speeches, artifacts, and photos.

Secondary Sources

These are interpretations or analyses of historical events, like textbooks and documentaries.

How to Analyze

  • Ask who created the source and why.
  • Look for bias or perspective.
  • Compare multiple sources to find the most accurate picture.

Real-World Use

These skills help you become a critical thinker—not just for the SAT, but for understanding news, politics, and more!

Examples

  • Reading a letter from a soldier in World War I to understand the realities of trench warfare.

  • Comparing two historians’ views on the causes of the French Revolution.