Using Historical Evidence

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice and Quick Checks

1. Which of the following is a primary source about British authority in Aotearoa?

A textbook summary written in 2020

A diary entry by a settler dated 1840

A modern museum label

A Wikipedia article

2. Which sentence best shows an effective use of a short quote with attribution?

"The treaty changed everything," said someone.

Governor Hobson wrote, "We are determined to secure British sovereignty" (Hobson, 06/02/1840) — this shows British intention to assert authority.

Many people think the Treaty was important.

The Treaty had effects on land and law.

3. Check all actions that strengthen a historical explanation:

Including the exact date of an event (DD/MM/YYYY)

Saying "people say" without naming who

Naming the author or speaker of a quote

Explaining how the evidence supports your claim

4. When you introduce evidence, the best short strategy is to:

Drop a quote with no further comment

Identify who, what and when, then explain its significance

Use lots of general statements instead of specifics

Only list events without linking them to your argument

5. Match each evidence type (left) with the best example (right). Draw a line between matching items.

A. Direct quote

1. "We must secure British sovereignty" — Governor Hobson

B. Date

2. 06/02/1840

C. Name

3. Governor Hobson

D. Event

4. Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Waitangi

6. Name two specific pieces of evidence you would use to explain the impact of the Treaty of Waitangi (briefly list each).

7. Write one sentence that uses a short direct quote (with attribution) and then explains why that quote matters for your argument.

8. Improve this weak sentence by adding specific evidence (a date, a name or a short quote) and one explaining clause:

Weak sentence: "The Treaty changed things for Māori."