Which source is typically the most reliable for a school research project?
AA random post on social media
BSomething your friend heard from someone else
CA book or article written by an expert and checked by editors
DA comment on a video
A book or article written by an expert and reviewed by editors is typically the most reliable source. Experts study their topic for years, and editors check the facts before publishing. Social media posts, rumors from friends, and video comments are not checked for accuracy and are less reliable.
Question 2 True / False
If something is on the internet, it is definitely true.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Not everything on the internet is true. Anyone can post information online, and there is no guarantee it has been checked for accuracy. Some websites are run by experts and are very reliable, while others share incorrect or made-up information. You always need to evaluate the source.
Question 3 Short Answer
What are three questions you can ask to decide if a source of information is trustworthy?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Who wrote or said this — are they an expert? How do they know — did they do research or are they guessing? Do other reliable sources say the same thing? You could also ask: Is this a fact or an opinion? Does this source have a reason to mislead me?
A good answer includes questions about the author's qualifications, the evidence behind the claim, and whether other sources agree. These are basic tools of critical thinking and media literacy.
Question 4 Multiple Choice
Why is it helpful to check more than one source before believing information?
ABecause checking sources is fun
BBecause a single source might have mistakes, but if several reliable sources agree, the information is more likely to be accurate
CBecause you should never believe anything
DIt is not helpful — one source is always enough
Any single source can make a mistake. But if several reliable, independent sources all report the same information, you can be much more confident it is accurate. Checking multiple sources is one of the best ways to separate fact from fiction.
Question 5 True / False
Your teacher and a library book are both examples of information sources.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
Teachers and library books are both information sources. A teacher shares knowledge based on their education and training. A library book has been written by an author and usually reviewed by editors. Both are generally reliable sources, though it is still good practice to check important facts in multiple places.