For this essay, you will select one of the sources you have found through your preliminary research about your research topic. Which source you choose is up to you; however, it should be a source you intend to use in your argument. It should also be substantial enough that you will be able to talk about it at length, and intricate enough that it will keep you (and your reader) interested. Once you have chosen a source, you will write a 2-3 page (500-750 word) essay in which you evaluate the source on two levels:
Credibility: Using the information in this unit as a guide, evaluate the source’s authenticity and reliability.
Usefulness: Using a combination of summary and analysis, discuss how the source will help to support your argument.
Directions
Step 1: Write Introduction
The introduction of this paper will involve introducing the source. Provide the author, the title, and the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.). Recall that a thesis statement states your position and an overview of your reasons. For this assignment, include a thesis statement stating your position on the source’s credibility and usefulness.
Step 2: Evaluate Sources
You will then go on to evaluate the source on two levels:
Credibility (at least one paragraph): Using the information in this unit as a guide, evaluate the source’s authenticity and reliability. Look at all the information that you can find about the source to establish the author’s (or sponsor’s) trustworthiness. Among others, you might consider the following questions: Did the author cite or name their own sources? Do you see the author’s credentials? Is the source of publication (website, journal, etc.) a reputable source? Is the position of this source in line with other sources you’ve read?
Usefulness (at least one paragraph): Using a combination of summary and analysis, discuss how the source will help to support your argument. Determine what the source’s purpose (thesis) is, and how it arrives at that goal. Examine its value to you and the project you are working on. How will it help you prove your own points? How does it address your research question? How might it come in handy to back up a claim (or address a counter-claim)? Are there any special features in this source? For example, does it use visuals or graphs? Is it current?
Step 3: Write Conclusion
Finally, you will include a conclusion that shows your final assessments on both counts.
Step 4. Reflection Questions
Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
What types of questions did you ask yourself when evaluating the credibility and usefulness of your source? (2-3 sentences)
How do you feel this evaluation practice will help you as you continue to move through the research process? (2-3 sentences)
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
Source Identification and Thesis
❒ Have you provided the author’s name?
❒ Have you provided the source title?
❒ Have you provided the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.)?
❒ Have you provided a clear thesis statement with sufficient support?
Evidence and Analysis
❒ Have you stated your position on the source’s credibility?
❒ Have you used specific examples from the source to illustrate your position on credibility?
❒ Have you provided a position on the source’s usefulness?
❒ Have you used specific examples from the source to illustrate your position on usefulness?
Organization
❒ Did you include an engaging introduction with background information and a clear thesis statement?
❒ Did you include a body paragraph or paragraphs addressing the source’s credibility?
❒ Did you include a body paragraph or paragraphs addressing the source’s usefulness?
❒ Did you include a conclusion with a compelling closing thought?
Conventions
❒ Have you double-checked for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting, and capitalization?
❒ Have you proofread to find and correct typos?
Reflection
❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
Before You Submit
❒ Have you included your name, date, and course in the top left corner of the page?
❒ Is your essay between 500 and 750 words in length (2-3 pages)?
