Group members: Hanim, Najwa, Ainur

Comparison of the firsthand and secondhand account of the same event or topic.

Firsthand account Secondhand account

A firsthand account is written by someone who In a secondhand account, the person writing a text is not
experienced the event and may include opinions. A a part of the events. The events the author describes
secondhand account is written by someone with have happened to someone else. The author mostly
knowledge of an event or topic but who did not includes information and facts on the subject.
experience it. A firsthand account uses words like
'I' and 'we,' while a secondhand account uses 'you,'
'he,' and 'they. '

In firsthand accounts, the author may include: In a secondhand account, the writing focuses on:
● his/her feelings or thoughts about what is ● key facts
taking place ● general information
● opinions ● information from several sources
● specific details

Examples of Firsthand Accounts Examples of Secondhand Accounts

● Diaries or journals ● Encyclopedia entries
● Interviews ● Biographies
● Speeches ● Textbooks
● Autobiographies ● Movies
● Letters and emails ● Newspaper and magazine articles

Example: Example:
Massive earthquake rocks Nepal by Sandra Earthquake in Nepal by Kevin Jones
Bindhu.
A huge earthquake struck Nepal on Saturday,
The ground shook in Nepal on Saturday, April 25. I April 25. More than 5,000 people have died in the
knew an enormous earthquake had struck my devastation that demolished many villages. Relief
country. The ground rolled for 20 seconds. I workers are having a hard time reaching outlying
dashed inside my car to avoid being hit by falling villages. Local leaders report that landslides have
bricks from the buildings. I stepped out into rubble blocked roads.
all around me. I saw many injured people. I ran to The people who survived are living outside because
help wherever I heard voices. It was a nightmare. their homes are destroyed. Most are injured and grieving
for the family they
lost.