Gather Information and Assess Credibility
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7th Grade Writing › Gather Information and Assess Credibility
Riley is writing about the Dust Bowl for a history assignment. She uses two sources:
Source 1: A 2015 textbook chapter published by a major educational publisher.
Source 2: A 1936 newspaper article written during the Dust Bowl.
Which is the BEST reason Source 2 can still be accurate and useful even though it is old?
Older sources are always more reliable than newer ones.
It does not need to be checked because newspapers never contain errors.
It is a primary source that provides firsthand information from the time period.
It is better than a textbook because it will automatically be unbiased.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Riley's 1936 newspaper article serves as a primary source—firsthand account from the actual time period of the Dust Bowl, providing contemporary perspectives and observations unavailable in later secondary sources. Primary sources offer unique historical value regardless of age because they capture events as they happened. Options A, C, and D contain misconceptions—newer isn't always better for historical events, newspapers can contain errors/bias requiring critical reading, and primary sources can reflect period biases. Students should understand primary sources (diaries, newspapers, photographs from the time) versus secondary sources (textbooks, analyses written later), recognize both types have value, and evaluate all sources critically regardless of type or age.
Sofia is writing about the history of vaccines. She copies this from a website into her report without quotation marks:
Original from HistoryOfMedicineFacts.net (no author listed): “Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who caught cowpox seemed protected from smallpox.”
Sofia’s sentence: Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who caught cowpox seemed protected from smallpox.
What problem is shown in Sofia’s writing?
No problem—facts from websites never need quotation marks or citations.
It is only a citation-format issue; copying exact wording is fine if the website is .net.
It is better than plagiarism because she used a short sentence instead of a long paragraph.
It is direct copying (plagiarism) because she used the exact wording without quotation marks and citation.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Sofia copies exact wording from a website without quotation marks or citation, which is direct plagiarism—using someone else's words as if they were her own. This violates academic integrity because she presents another's work without attribution, regardless of sentence length or website domain. Options A, C, and D incorrectly minimize the seriousness of plagiarism or misunderstand citation requirements. Students must understand that using exact wording requires both quotation marks AND citation, website domain (.net, .com) doesn't affect citation requirements, and plagiarism occurs with any uncredited copying regardless of length.
Keisha is researching: “What are the benefits and risks of using AI chatbots in school?” She finds a web article with these details:
Title: “Why Students Should Use AI for Everything”
Author: Not listed
Date: Not listed
Website: BestEdTechDeals.com
Content: Mostly product links and discounts; claims “AI always improves grades” with no studies cited.
What is the BIGGEST credibility problem with this source?
The source is credible because it supports students and encourages using technology.
The source is credible because it has a confident tone and uses the word “everything.”
The source is credible because it is a .com website and includes many links.
The source is biased and lacks author/date/evidence, so it may be trying to sell products rather than inform.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Keisha's source shows multiple credibility red flags: no author listed (can't verify expertise), no date (can't assess currency), commercial website selling products (BestEdTechDeals.com suggests bias), unsupported claims ("AI always improves grades" without evidence), and primarily product links rather than information. The biggest problem is bias combined with missing author/date/evidence—the site appears designed to sell products rather than provide objective information. Options B, C, and D incorrectly identify credibility markers—supporting students doesn't equal credibility, .com domains often indicate commercial bias, and confident tone without evidence suggests propaganda. Students must check for author credentials, publication dates, evidence for claims, and recognize commercial sites often prioritize sales over accuracy.
Jamal is researching: “Do later school start times help middle school students?” He writes this sentence in his draft:
“Adolescents experience a natural shift in their sleep cycle that makes it difficult to fall asleep early.”
He took the idea from a 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, but he did not add any citation.
What is the BEST revision to avoid plagiarism and follow standard citation format (APA)?
Keep the sentence as-is because it is a common fact and does not need a citation.
Add an in-text citation after the sentence, such as (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022).
Replace a few words with synonyms so it becomes his own idea and no citation is needed.
Put the sentence in quotation marks but do not add a citation since quotes show it is borrowed.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Jamal uses information from the American Academy of Pediatrics without attribution, which constitutes plagiarism regardless of whether he uses exact words or paraphrases. The correct revision is to add an in-text citation (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022) after the sentence, following APA format. Option A incorrectly claims this is common knowledge needing no citation, C wrongly suggests quotation marks alone suffice, and D promotes plagiarism by changing words to claim ownership. Students must cite all borrowed ideas whether quoted or paraphrased, use proper citation format (APA shows author, year in parentheses), and understand that even paraphrased information requires attribution to avoid plagiarism.
Chen is researching: “How do wildfires affect air quality?” He is choosing between two sources.
Source A: A 2023 article from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website explaining particulate matter (PM2.5), with data links and a publication date.
Source B: A 2020 social media thread by an influencer with no science training, claiming “smoke is basically harmless” and providing no evidence.
Which choice BEST compares the credibility of these sources?
They are equally credible because both are online and discuss the same topic.
Source B is more credible because it is written in simpler language for the public.
Source B is more credible because it has more comments and shares.
Source A is more credible because it is from a reputable government agency and provides evidence and dates.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Chen compares EPA website (government agency, 2023, provides data) versus social media post (influencer without science training, unsupported claims). Source A is more credible because government agencies like EPA employ experts, provide evidence-based information, cite data sources, and update content regularly. Source B lacks credibility due to no scientific expertise, no evidence provided, and potentially dangerous misinformation about smoke being "harmless." Students should recognize that credible sources have qualified authors/organizations, provide evidence for claims, come from reputable publishers, and avoid unsupported opinions—social media engagement (comments/shares) doesn't indicate credibility.
Carlos is writing about the Dust Bowl. He uses three sources: (1) a 1930s photograph from the Library of Congress, (2) a chapter from a history book, and (3) a museum website article written by a historian. In his draft, he includes a sentence that closely follows the museum article’s wording but changes a few words:
Museum article: "Severe drought and poor farming practices turned millions of acres of topsoil into dust, forcing many families to migrate west."
Carlos’s draft: "Extreme drought and bad farming methods turned millions of acres of topsoil into dust, forcing lots of families to move west."
He includes no citation. What is the best description of the problem?
This is acceptable because historical topics do not require citations
There is no problem because he changed several words, so it counts as his own writing
This is only a problem if the museum website is a .com domain
This is mosaic/too-close paraphrasing and uncited paraphrasing; he should rewrite more in his own structure and add a citation
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Carlos demonstrates mosaic plagiarism (also called patchwriting): he kept the exact sentence structure and merely substituted synonyms ("severe" to "extreme," "poor" to "bad," "many" to "lots," "migrate" to "move") without changing the fundamental structure or adding citation. The correct answer identifies both problems: too-close paraphrasing that follows original structure AND missing citation. Option A wrongly claims word changes equal original writing; options C and D incorrectly suggest domain type or topic determine citation needs. Students must learn that proper paraphrasing requires restructuring sentences, not just swapping synonyms, plus citation. Teaching paraphrasing skills means showing the difference between cosmetic word substitution (plagiarism) and genuine rewriting that demonstrates understanding, emphasizing that all paraphrases need citations regardless of how much the words change.
Maya is researching how wildfires affect air quality. She wants to paraphrase information from a state health department page (2021) that says smoke can irritate lungs and make asthma worse.
Which sentence is the best paraphrase that avoids plagiarism AND cites the source?
The California Department of Public Health says smoke can irritate lungs and make asthma worse, so I don’t need to cite it.
Wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma, according to a state health department web page (California Department of Public Health, 2021).
Wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and make asthma worse.
"Smoke can irritate lungs and make asthma worse" (California Department of Public Health).
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Maya needs to paraphrase information about wildfire smoke effects while properly citing the source. Option A successfully paraphrases by using different wording ("irritate the lungs and worsen asthma" instead of exact original) AND includes proper citation with source name and year in parentheses. Option B paraphrases but lacks any citation; option C uses quotation marks incorrectly for a paraphrase and has incomplete citation; option D mentions the source but explicitly refuses to cite it. Students must learn that paraphrasing requires BOTH rewording the information in their own words AND citing the source. Teaching effective paraphrasing means demonstrating how to change sentence structure and vocabulary while preserving meaning, always followed by proper citation format including source name and date to give credit for the information.
Maya is writing a 7th-grade report answering: “How does plastic pollution affect ocean animals?” She found these sources:
Source 1: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) web page, “Marine Debris” (no individual author listed), updated 2024, .gov, explains impacts and prevention.
Source 2: Blog post on OceanTruthNow.com, “The Ocean Will Be Dead by 2030,” posted 2012, author listed as “SeaLover99,” includes many ads and no references.
Source 3: Peer-reviewed journal article in Marine Pollution Bulletin (2019) by two university scientists; includes methods and a reference list.
Source 4: Wikipedia page “Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” last edited yesterday.
Which source is the MOST credible to use for scientific evidence about impacts on ocean animals?
Source 4, because it was edited recently and is easy to understand.
Source 2, because it is a .com website and appears first in search results.
Source 2, because it has a strong opinion and will persuade readers.
Source 3, because it is peer-reviewed and written by qualified researchers.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Maya evaluates four sources for credibility: Source 1 (NOAA .gov, updated 2024), Source 2 (blog by "SeaLover99" from 2012 with ads), Source 3 (peer-reviewed journal by university scientists), and Source 4 (Wikipedia). Source 3 is most credible because peer-reviewed journal articles undergo expert review, are written by qualified researchers, include methodology and references, making them highly reliable for scientific evidence. Sources 1 (government) and 4 (Wikipedia) have some credibility but Source 2 lacks author credentials, is outdated, and shows bias. Students should prioritize peer-reviewed academic sources for scientific topics, check author qualifications and publication dates, and recognize that .com sites with anonymous authors and advertisements typically lack credibility for academic research.
Carlos is creating a Works Cited page in MLA for a website article. He has this entry:
“Climate Change Effects.” 2021. www.climatefacts.org.
What is the MOST important information missing for a correct MLA citation?
The student’s opinion about whether the website is trustworthy.
The author (or organization) and the date the page was published or updated.
A list of other websites that talk about the same topic.
A long summary of the article’s main ideas.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Carlos's MLA citation lacks author information—the most critical missing element for proper attribution and allowing readers to locate the source. MLA format requires: Author (or organization if no individual author). "Title." Website Name, Date, URL—his entry shows only title, date, and URL. Options B, C, and D suggest inappropriate additions—Works Cited entries need factual information not summaries or opinions, and listing related websites isn't part of standard citation format. Students must learn proper citation formats include specific required elements in specific order, author/organization is crucial for credibility and location, and personal opinions don't belong in citations.
Amir is writing a paragraph about energy drinks and teens. He uses a sentence from a book and includes an in-text citation:
Text in Amir’s draft: According to the National Academies, “caffeine can cause sleep problems and anxiety in some children and adolescents” (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020, p. 112).
Which statement BEST describes Amir’s use of source information?
He committed plagiarism because quoting is never allowed in research writing.
He used a direct quote correctly with quotation marks and an APA-style in-text citation.
He should remove the quotation marks because citations alone show the words are borrowed.
He should keep the quote but delete the page number because page numbers are only for fiction.
Explanation
This question tests W.7.8—gather information from multiple sources, assess credibility/accuracy, quote/paraphrase avoiding plagiarism, follow citation format. Research requires: MULTIPLE CREDIBLE SOURCES (3-5 different: books, databases, credible websites, primary sources; assess credibility: author credentials/expert?, reputable publisher?, current date for current topics?, purpose/bias considered?—avoid unreliable: Wikipedia only, random blogs, no author, out-of-date, clearly biased unacknowledged), PROPER USE (quote: exact words in quotation marks with citation, paraphrase: own words with citation—change structure not just synonyms, summarize: main ideas with attribution—integrate smoothly), AVOID PLAGIARISM (cite all sources, don't copy word-for-word without quotes, put into own words when paraphrasing, attribute ideas), STANDARD CITATION (format taught: author, title, publication info, date, proper punctuation, parenthetical in text, works cited page). Amir correctly uses a direct quote with quotation marks around exact words, proper APA in-text citation including author (National Academies), year (2020), and page number (p. 112). This exemplifies proper source use: exact words in quotes, complete citation information, and smooth integration into his writing. Options B, C, and D show misunderstandings—quoting is allowed and encouraged when done properly, quotation marks are required for direct quotes even with citations, and page numbers help readers locate information in all source types. Students should practice using direct quotes with proper punctuation and complete citations, understanding that both quotation marks AND citations are required for borrowed exact words.