Written Document Analysis Worksheet

1. Type of Document (Check one):

___ Newspaper ___ Map ___ Advertisement
___ Letter ___ Telegram ___ Governmental record
___ Ledger ___ Press release ___ Minutes
___ Memorandum ___ Report ___ Other

2. Unique Physical Qualities of the Document (check one or more):

___ Letterhead ___ Notations
___ Handwritten ___ “RECEIVED” stamp
___ Typed ___ Other
___ Seals

3. Date(s) of Document:

4. Author (or Creator) of the Document:


Position or Title (if applicable)

5. For What Audience was the Document Written?

6. Document Information:

A. List three or more things the author said that you think are important:



B. Why do you think this document was written?



C. What evidence in the document helps you to know why it was written? Quote from the document.



D. List two things the document tells you about life in Louisiana at the time it was written.



E. Write a question that is left unanswered by the document.

Adapted from the design developed by the Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408.