Most materials you use are published online, often on a website. A website is a platform which houses different texts and media. These texts are not all the same: they will represent a wide range of sources from personal reactions to blogs to investigative journalism to expert analysis.
This first exercise will help you begin to tease apart and identify what you're looking at online. Knowing what you're looking at helps you understand how to use that source rhetorically in your own writing.
Read through this Infographic "Know Your Sources: A Guide to Understanding Sources" ((also available here). Spend 5-10 minutes. Then, test your understanding of the differences between these sources.
Answer the questions correctly below to unlock the password and conquer the quiz!
1. Rank these sources from lowest to highest in the number of authoritative reviewers (one answer)
A. Wikipedia, Instagram, Journal of Sports Studies, Sports Illustrated
B. Instagram, Sports Illustrated, Wikipedia, Journal of Sports Studies
C. Instagram, Wikipedia, Sports Illustrated, Journal of Sports Studies
D. Sports Illustrated, Tumblr blog, Journal of Sports Studies, Academic Book
2. Which set of features accurately best describe a scholarly journal?(one answer)
A. Some outside evidence used, published frequently like a blog, authors with bachelor's credentials
B. Short publication cycle, timely and current events, published very frequently, authors with some expertise
C. Short and concise, some outside evidence used, published infrequently, intended for a general audience
D. Long publication cycle, extensive evidence, published infrequently, authors with advanced degrees
E. Long publication cycle, timely and current events, published infrequently, authors with advanced degrees
3. When might you best use a news source versus a book or encyclopedia? (one answer)
A. For validated, well-established facts relating to an event
B. For examples, illustrative stories, or reactions to an event
B. For details, nuanced discussion and analysis about why an event occurred.
C. For understanding the impact or long-term implications of an event
Enter your three letter answer here (e.g. ABC) *Note it is case sensitive, don't use commas* |