English 3

Activity: Evaluating Sources (GRADED)

NOTE: This activity will be graded based on completion.

Remember last week when you conducted some preliminary research and found several sources in the Opposing Viewpoints database? Let's revisit those sources and put them to the C.R.A.A.P. test*! This will help determine which sources are credible and, consequently, the best choices for your essay. Using the provided worksheet, determine whether or not one of the sources you found passes the test.

By the end of this assignment, you should have at least one source that can be used for your persuasive essay.

Put Your Sources to the Test

Click here link to download a copy of The C.R.A.A.P. Test Worksheet. Make sure you fill out the worksheet in its entirety—otherwise the test will not be accurate. If the total for the source is 35+ points, it's a good indication that it is credible (remember, though, the more points the better, and the only way for the C.R.A.A.P. test to work is to be as honest as possible when evaluating each source). If the source scores less than 35 points, look for another source.

The next activity uses a rich text area. You can tab to the editor body. Press ALT-F10 to get to the toolbar. Press ESC to return to the editor body. A save button is available in the top toolbar all the way to the right and will become visible when it receives focus.

You have not yet completed the activity below.

After you find a credible source that can be used for your persuasive essay, identify it in the textbox below (don't worry about formatting right now—we'll discuss APA/MLA later on this term). Then, explain how the source fared with the C.R.A.A.P test by answering the following questions in one fully developed paragraph:

1. What were the total points the source earned on the test?

2. Where did it earn the most amount of points? How did it earn these points?

3. Where did it earn the least amount of points? Why did it lose points here?

4. Ultimately, how will this source help support the main argument (or counterargument) of your essay?

The C.R.A.A.P. Test Worksheet

The following questions will help you determine whether or not your source is reliable. Answer each of the questions for each category below. Once you’ve answered each question in a category, assign the category a numerical score between 1 and 10, with 1 meaning the source does not meet the criteria of the category at all and 10 meaning the source meets the criteria of the category excellently. Then, add up the scores to determine whether the source passes the (C.R.A.A.P.) test!

Source Title:

Category 1: Currency Category 1 Score:

· When was the information published?

· Has the information been revised or updated since?

· Is the information current or out-of-date?

Category 2: Relevance Category 2 Score:

· Does the information relate to your project?

· Have you looked at a variety other sources? Do other sources meet your needs more effectively?

· Who is the intended audience of the source?

Category 3: Authority Category 3 Score:

· Who is the author?

· What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?

· What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?

Category 4: Accuracy Category 4 Score:

· Is the information supported by evidence?

· Has the information been reviewed or referred?

· Does the language or tone seem biased or objective?

Category 5: Purpose Category 5 Score:

· What is the author’s purpose? To inform? Persuade? Entertain?

· Is the information fact or opinion?

· Does the point of view seem to be objective or biased?

Understanding your score:

Below 30: Unacceptable

30-34: Questionable

35-39: Average

40-44: Good

45-50: Excellent

TOTAL SCORE: