To answer this question correctly, students must identify a valid reason for questioning the usefulness of Parsons’ autobiography as evidence of who was responsible for the Haymarket bombing. Successful responses may focus on the fact that Parsons was a radical labor reformer, which may have made him inclined to cast blame on big business owners who he saw as adversaries. Alternatively, students might focus on the fact that Parsons was accused of involvement in the bombing and was facing the death penalty. He may have been looking to shift blame away from himself and his allies by accusing others.
Level: Proficient
Student identifies a relevant limitation and provides a correct explanation for why Parsons’ autobiography is limited as evidence of who was responsible for the Haymarket bombing.
Level: Emergent
Student identifies a relevant limitation but does not provide a complete or relevant explanation about why Parsons’ autobiography is limited as evidence of who was responsible for the Haymarket bombing.
Level: Basic
Student does not identify or explain a limitation of Parsons’ autobiography as evidence of who was responsible for the Haymarket bombing.