Source Evaluation - Practice

Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.2.3
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each source carefully. Evaluate its reliability, identify bias, and compare information across sources. Use what you know about the CRAAP test and source evaluation.
Source A: "The Truth About Energy Drinks"
[PowerBoost Energy Company Website | No author listed | No date]

Energy drinks are completely safe and give you the boost you need! PowerBoost drinks contain natural ingredients that enhance performance. Everyone from athletes to students can benefit from our products. Don't listen to the haters - grab a PowerBoost today!

Source B: "Energy Drinks and Adolescent Health"
[American Academy of Pediatrics | Dr. Sarah Chen, MD | Published 2023]

Research indicates that energy drinks pose health risks for adolescents. A 2022 study found that teens who regularly consume energy drinks are 3 times more likely to report sleep disturbances and 2 times more likely to experience anxiety symptoms. The high caffeine content (up to 300mg per serving) can affect developing cardiovascular systems. The AAP recommends that children and adolescents avoid energy drinks entirely.

Questions About Sources A and B

1. Apply the CRAAP test to Source A. Which criteria does it FAIL? (Select all that apply)
2. What makes Source B more RELIABLE than Source A? List TWO reasons.
3. Identify TWO examples of biased language from Source A.
4. Source A claims energy drinks are "completely safe." How does Source B CONTRADICT this claim?
Source C: "Social Media: Friend or Foe?"
[TeenTalk Blog | "CoolKid2010" | March 2024]

Social media is totally awesome! I spend like 6 hours a day on it and I'm fine. Adults who say it's bad are just old and don't understand. My friends and I all use it and we're happy. Anyone who says otherwise is probably just jealous they don't have followers.

Source D: "Social Media Use and Teen Mental Health"
[Journal of Adolescent Psychology | Research Team from Stanford University | 2023]

A longitudinal study of 5,000 adolescents found complex relationships between social media use and well-being. Moderate use (1-2 hours daily) showed no negative effects, while heavy use (4+ hours) correlated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms. However, the study also found that social media provides important social connections for teens in isolated areas. The researchers recommend balanced use with parental guidance.

Questions About Sources C and D

5. What type of source is Source C? What type is Source D?

Source C is: _____________ Source D is: _____________

6. Source C uses personal experience as evidence ("I spend 6 hours a day and I'm fine"). Why is this WEAK evidence compared to Source D's research study?
7. Source D presents BOTH benefits and risks of social media. This is called "balanced reporting." Why does this make a source MORE credible?
8. If you were writing a research paper on teen social media use, which source would be appropriate to cite? Why?
Source E: Two Headlines About the Same Event

Headline 1 (News Station A): "City Council Wisely Approves New Park, Bringing Much-Needed Green Space to Neglected Neighborhood"

Headline 2 (News Station B): "Controversial Park Approval Wastes Taxpayer Money, Critics Say"

Questions About Source E

9. Both headlines describe the SAME event. Identify the bias in Headline 1 (what loaded words reveal the author's opinion?).
10. Identify the bias in Headline 2 (what loaded words reveal the author's opinion?).
11. Rewrite one of the headlines to make it OBJECTIVE (neutral, fact-based):

Extended Practice

12. You find an article claiming that a new study proves chocolate is healthier than vegetables. Using the CRAAP test, list THREE questions you would ask to evaluate this source before believing the claim.
FAST Success Kit | Grade 8 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.2.3 | 12 Questions