Evaluating Sources Worksheet

You’re writing a research paper about whether school food is healthy. Your source is a journal article written by a dietician who specializes in school lunches. Is this a reliable source?

• Yes

• No

You need to write a paragraph about George Washington’s childhood, so you search a Wikipedia page about George Washington. Is this a reliable source for academic research?

• Yes

• No

You are trying to figure out which brand of SUV has the best safety features, and you use a blog post from an author who does not give his/her name. Is this a reliable source?

• Yes

• No

You want to know how many people have died from COVID-19, so you check out a website named “coviddeaths.com”. Is this a reliable source?

• Yes

• No

To learn more about the best places to visit in Hawaii you look at the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau website. It ends with “.org”. Is this a reliable source?

• Yes

• No

You and your friend are debating whether schools should give homework. Your friend gives reasons from a post on debate.org. Is this a reliable source for academic research?

• Yes

• No

Same as number #6 except you cite information from an article from the Chicago Tribune’s website. Is this a reliable source for academic research?

• Yes

• No

You are trying to figure out how to change the oil in your car. You ask your uncle who has been an auto mechanic for 20 years. Is this a reliable source?

• Yes

• No

You want to know the best way to grow tomatoes in your garden. You find a book titled, “Growing Tomatoes in 19th Century Europe”. Is this the most relevant source for modern gardening?

• Yes

• No

You are writing a paragraph analyzing Lewis and Clark’s thoughts about crossing the Rocky Mountains. You use a book that has diary entries from Lewis and Clark. Is this a primary source?

• Yes

• No