Evaluating a source
Judge relevance and support instead of relying on a page's confident appearance.
Before you begin
- Claims and evidence
- Identifying an author or publisher
Ask who knows what and how
Consider the author's relevant expertise, the evidence offered and whether a claim can be checked against other reliable sources. A source can be credible on one topic but weak on another. Look for how information was collected rather than treating popularity, polished design or a confident tone as proof of accuracy.
Check purpose, context and currency
A source may aim to inform, persuade, sell or entertain, and these purposes can overlap. Notice whether incentives affect what is included or omitted. Publication date matters when facts may change, but an older historical document can still be valuable primary evidence. Evaluate a source for the specific question you are answering.
Worked example
You are investigating whether a school recycling scheme reduced waste. Compare a promotional poster with a dated record of weekly waste weights before and after the scheme.
Show the worked solution
- The poster explains the scheme's intended benefits but has a persuasive purpose.
- The measured record can provide relevant outcome data if its methods are consistent.
- Check time periods, missing measurements and other changes before drawing a causal conclusion.
The waste record is more direct evidence of the measured outcome; neither source alone guarantees causation.
Try it yourself
Which question best checks evidence quality?
Common mistakes
- Bias is a reason to examine evidence carefully, not automatically discard every statement.
What can you explain now?
Why might a manufacturer's product page be useful but insufficient for comparing competing products?
Compare with the explanation
It may provide specifications while selecting information that favours its own product.
Use it for claims within its knowledge, verify comparable measurements and consult independent evidence for broader conclusions.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Original StudyForA content. AI-assisted checks completed; subject-teacher review is still pending. These lessons are not endorsed by an exam board.
Common Core English language arts standards ↗