Source Evaluation Form
Name of Source
Origin
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Who created the source?
Where was it published?
Is it a primary or secondary
source?
Purpose
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What is the intent of the author?
Why was this document produced?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the authorʼs bias/
perspective?
Value
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What makes this source valuable
to you or to others interested in the
topic?
Limitation
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What about this document needs
to be questioned?
Why would someone use caution
when looking at this document for
evidence and analysis?
Questions to Ask
Consider texts individually:
1. What is the main problem or issue that the author is addressing?
2. What is the author’s central claim, argument, or point?
3. What assumptions does the author make?
4. What evidence does the author present?
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the text?
6. What are possible counterarguments to the text’s claims?
7. Why are the problem(s) and the argument(s) interesting or important?