English 12 / Unit 9: Advanced Argument and Synthesis
9.5 Evaluating Sources
Notes
Not all sources are equally reliable. Ask:
- Authority: Who wrote it? What expertise?
- Accuracy: Is it supported and verifiable?
- Purpose and bias: Was it written to inform, sell or persuade? Who benefits?
- Currency: Is it up to date for the topic?
- Relevance: Does it address your question?
- A source can be biased and still useful if you acknowledge its perspective (for example, a company report on its own product shows the company's view).
Practice
A soft drink company's website claims its drink improves athletic performance. What is the best evaluation?
Consider purpose and who benefits.
Which source is most credible for a claim about teenage sleep?
Expert research with review is more reliable.
A 1995 article on smartphone use in classrooms would most likely lack which quality?
Smartphones and classroom technology have changed greatly since then.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 9 test.