In historical study, a primary source is defined as

• A. A secondary source
• B. An artifact from the past
• C. A modern reinterpretation
• D. A compiled timeline

Answer: (B)

Primary sources are original materials created at the time of the event or by someone who witnessed it, providing direct evidence from that period. An artifact from the past is a classic example because it originates in the historical moment itself and offers firsthand, tangible connection to how people lived or thought then. This stands in contrast to options that involve later analysis or organization of information—secondary sources are interpretations after the fact, a modern reinterpretation is a fresh analysis, and a compiled timeline is a synthesized summary rather than original material.