# Primary Sources Read Aloud and Explained

> Turn a primary source into audio for your class: the original read aloud, then explained in simple English for English learners and younger students. Free to try.

Canonical: https://zenmic.com/convert/primary-source-to-audio/
Last updated: 2026-11-14

📜 For history and social studies teachers

Old documents are hard to read, and harder for English learners. Paste a primary source and ZenMic reads the original aloud, then a second voice explains it in plain English at your students' level, ready for the questions on your handout.

[Create One Free →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=explainer&topic=Read+this+primary+source+aloud+with+a+British+voice%2C+then+explain+it+in+simple+English+for+9th-grade+English+learners%2C+and+end+with+three+discussion+questions) See Examples

No microphone · No actors · Script and audio in about a minute

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## The original, read well

A clear voice reads the source as written, archaic words and all.

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## Then explained

A second voice retells it in simple modern English.

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## For English learners

Choose the level so ELL students follow the content.

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## Ready for your handout

End with the questions your students will answer.

## Ready-Made Examples

Read the script, hear it, or make your own version in one click.

[👑 1215 · History Magna Carta Read Aloud and Explained Two clauses read in the original, then explained in plain English.](https://zenmic.com/convert/primary-source-to-audio/magna-carta-explained/) [🇺🇸 1863 · History Gettysburg Address Read Aloud and Explained The famous opening read aloud, then explained sentence by sentence.](https://zenmic.com/convert/primary-source-to-audio/gettysburg-address-explained/)

## How It Works

1

### Describe the situation

One sentence is enough. Add the people, the goal, a level or your own document.

2

### AI writes and casts it

A realistic script with a distinct AI voice for every person in it.

3

### Edit, generate, share

Adjust any line, create the audio, then share a link or download the MP3.

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## Built on the AI Explainer & Summary Audio Generator

Give ZenMic a concept or a document. It hooks with a question, builds understanding in steps with one strong analogy, checks it against a real example and ends with takeaways you could repeat to a friend.

[View Template →](https://zenmic.com/templates/explainer/)

## Related Pages

[😴 Turn a Reading Passage Into Listening Audio Paste a reading text and get listening audio: read aloud by a natural voice, or rewritten as a dialogue at your students' level, with quest…](https://zenmic.com/convert/reading-passage-to-listening-audio/) [🏘️ Lesson Plan to Audio Paste your lesson plan and get the listening it needs: a dialogue that uses the target language, a model answer or a short podcast for stud…](https://zenmic.com/convert/lesson-plan-to-audio/) [✅ Worksheet to Listening Exercise Have a worksheet with questions but no recording? Paste the questions and ZenMic writes and voices a listening that matches them, at your s…](https://zenmic.com/convert/worksheet-to-listening-exercise/) [🧾 Training Manual to Role-Play Audio Paste a training manual or procedure and get role-play audio: realistic conversations where staff follow the steps, plus the mistakes to av…](https://zenmic.com/convert/training-manual-to-roleplay-audio/)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which sources work? +

Any text you can paste: charters, speeches, letters, diaries, laws, newspaper reports.

### Can I choose the voices? +

Yes. A British voice for the Magna Carta, an American one for the Declaration, or any other accent.

### How simple can the explanation be? +

As simple as you need. Name the grade or CEFR level in your description.

### Is it free to try? +

Yes. Your first audio is free.

## Create Your First One Free

Describe it in one sentence. ZenMic writes the script and voices every speaker.

[Start Free →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=explainer&topic=Read+this+primary+source+aloud+with+a+British+voice%2C+then+explain+it+in+simple+English+for+9th-grade+English+learners%2C+and+end+with+three+discussion+questions)