ENG 111 & 112 Course Playbook

Here is a list of things to look at when evaluating news sources. Don't be duped, be skeptical!

Authorship

Run a quick search on the authors. Are they credible? Are they even real? What else have they written?
Are they associated with a particular organization, and is that organization trustworthy?

Evidence

How are the authors supporting their claims? Is their evidence factual or anecdotal? Does it really
support the claims? Verify the evidence by clicking on links and tracking the sources provided.

Date

When was the information published? Be particularly wary of breaking news, as that information is still
in flux and may change as more facts come to light.

Source Publication

Where is the information published? Is it a respectable, credible publication? Is it a joke, or satire? Check websites, sources, authors, and try to find confirmation of the facts.

Emotional Response

Does the information provoke a strong emotional response? Are there loaded words? Stick to sources
that use factual language.

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