COM 145
Evaluating Sources
The CRAAP test is a tried and true method for evaluating sources. There are many others so make sure to follow your instructor's guidelines. All source evaluation techniques require you to critically think about your source and its place in your paper.
Currency
-- When was the information created?
-- Does your topic require updated information?
Relevance
-- Does the information relate to your paper/project?
-- Is it written at an appropriate level? (not too advanced or elementary)
Authority
-- Is the author qualified to write on this subject?
-- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
Accuracy
-- Where does the information come from?
-- Is the information supported by legitimate sources?
Purpose
-- Why was the site created (advertising, share knowledge, entertainment)?
-- Do the authors make their intentions clear?
Integrating Sources
There are three main ways to integrate another person's work into your own. As you write, it is important to use each method to make your writing interesting and readable.
The three methods are:
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Paraphrasing -- To paraphrase something means to put the source material into your own words. Typically, the paraphrase will be shorter than the source material.
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Summarizing -- When you need to use long passages, chapters, etc. of source material, you can rewrite the main ideas in much shorter form. However, the ideas belong to the source material so they still need to be cited.
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Quoting - Direct quotations means that you use the exact words employed by the authors in the original text. Usually, you will only use a few phrases or a sentence or two.
Incorporating Sources in your writing - Help Guides
- Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and QuotingA short video using the Disney movie Brave to discuss the three ways of presenting research in your writing or presentation.
- Incorporating Sources into your writingThis video explains the basics of a research paper including the process of incorporating other sources into your writing.
Academic Writing -- Help Guide
- Academic Writing OverviewA series of short videos on the various aspects of the academic writing process. A great overview.
- Should I use "I" in my academic paper?A handout from the UNC writing center describing how academic writing can differ than personal writing.
- Academic Writing HelpA comprehensive site outlining different writing assignments and styles. (from Empire State College)
Annotated Bibliography
- What is an Annotated Bibliography?From Cornell University, this quick guide offers defining characteristics of an annotated bibliography and how it differs from an abstract.
- Writing an Annotated Bibliography (Skidmore College)Includes sections on elements, structure and examples of writing an annotated bibliographies.
- Annotated Bibliography Information from the Purdue OWLIncludes general information as well as samples of an Annotated Bibliography in MLA, APA, and Chicago Formats.
General College Success Help
- Learning Strategies HandoutsFrom Maui College's TLC, this collection contains roughly 20 handouts outlining various writing and reading skills including note-taking, thesis writing, and citations.
- Online Learning AssistanceA guide from the UHMC librarians for those new to online learning.
- Last Updated: Apr 12, 2023 12:18 PM
- URL: https://maui.hawaii.libguides.com/COM145
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