Process

Evaluating Sources Outline

1. Introduction: introduce source that you would like to write about and include MLA citing (climate.nasa.gov/causes)
2. Paragraph 1: Present the topic you would like to write about (i.e. Climate Change)
   1. Why topic is interesting in relation to major
   2. Include background on topic
   3. current state of topic
   4. why the topic is important/ why do we need to know about
3. Paragraph 2: Explain how you would use your source in your essay
   1. Support claims
   2. Give examples of why you would use source in future essay
4. Paragraph 3: Explain why source is credible
   1. Elaborate on outside references to original source
   2. Explain relevance to your topic
5. Paragraph 4: Include source on the topic that would never be used and explain why
   1. Summary of poor source
   2. Explain why source is not credible
6. Conclusion: Restate topic, how source will be used, etc.

Criteria for Quality Sources

1. author is a professional in the discipline (field) and their credentials are clear
2. the date is recent or relevant
3. the website .edu, .gov, or .org is reliable
4. references/connects to other reliable sources for support
5. relevant to your topic
6. are no glaring errors of format or language presentation