Free Praxis 5002 Practice Test Practice Question

Scenario/Extract:

At about 11 p.m. on Christmas, Washington’s army commenced its crossing of the half-frozen river at three locations. The 2,400 soldiers led by Washington successfully braved the icy and freezing river and reached the New Jersey side of the Delaware just before dawn. The other two divisions, made up of some 3,000 men and crucial artillery, failed to reach the meeting point at the appointed time. —'Washington Crosses the Delaware,' from the History Channel Web site Christmas, 6 PM... It is fearfully cold and raw and a snow-storm is setting in. The wind is northeast and beats in the faces of the men. It will be a terrible night for the soldiers who have no shoes... but I have not heard a man complain... December 26, 3 AM I have never seen Washington so determined as he is now. He stands on the bank of the stream, wrapped in his cloak, superintending the landing of his troops. He is calm and collected, but very determined. —Diary of Colonel John Fitzgerald, December 25 and December 26, 1776

Which of the following best describes a benefit of having students read both excerpts?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Analyzing both excerpts allows students to distinguish between a primary source, which offers firsthand accounts, and a secondary source, which interprets or analyzes those accounts. This critical skill enhances their understanding of historical context and source reliability.

Option B focuses on comparing facts and emotions, which, while valuable, does not emphasize the distinction between source types. Option C highlights understanding diverse perspectives, but it lacks the specific focus on source types. Option D addresses reliability, yet does not include the comparative analysis of primary and secondary sources that is essential for deeper comprehension.

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