7th Grade Lateral Reading Practice

Step 1: Please navigate to https://www.romecabs.com/blog/docs/the-rise-and-fall-of-roman-empire/

Step 2: use the lateral reading checklist on the back of your hand-out

Step 3: record your findings and be prepared to share out

Lateral Reading Checklist

1. Who wrote it?

• Can I find the author or organization’s name? Yes/No

• Are they an expert (museum, university, historian) or just a random person?

2. What kind of site is it?

• Is it a .edu, .gov, or a personal blog/social media page?

3. When was it published/updated?

• What is the date it was published?

• Is the information current, old, or really old?

4. What do other sources say? Open a new tab. Then check one.

• Other credible sites confirm the information.

• The information is only found on the original site.

5. Why does the site exist?

• Is the site trying to inform, sell, entertain, or persuade you of something?

6. Are there references/citations? Check all that apply.

• The site includes references and or citations.

• The site is mainly opinion.

• The site appears to be well-informed and passionate about the topic, but hasn’t proven itself to be a credible source by failing to include its purpose, organization, or references.

7. Is this a credible site? Please explain.