May be reproduced for use in
school library media centers
Knowledge Quest
Critical Thinking 101: The Basics of Evaluating Information
Appendix A
Problem Markers
As you read an information
resource, be alert for the following
markers of information problems.
Disjointed writing that may be hard to follow
Causes surprise
Inconsistency
Seems out of place
Material describes how to do something but fails to explain
why
Poor writing style
Causes feelings of dislike or distaste
Use of experience to enhance credibility: “I’ve been doing
this 20 years, so I know…”
“Trendy” or “pop” language
Pronounced political slant
Dead links in Web sites
Overly broad definition
Colloquialisms
Commercialism or sales pitch
Overly technical writing
Qualitative descriptors like “wonderful”
Overgeneralization
Sloppiness
Repetition or padding
Failure to present other perspectives
Raises questions that are not acknowledged or answered
Author credentials don’t match subject matter
Guessing
Numbered lists of solutions: “10 quick ways to lose weight”
Blaming
In a popular magazine
Bias toward a particular group
Ignores practical issues
Absence of support
Causes feelings of disagreement
Sarcasm
Personal opinion
Gap between data and generalization
Important elements are missing
Too specific or not specific enough
Polarization: complex issues are presented as right or
wrong, with no gray areas
Provincial: presents local perspective with little concern for
the world at large
Exaggeration
Claims of no bias
Accusation of bias
Inappropriate vocabulary for audience
Personal attack or vindictiveness
Failure to acknowledge leading writers in field
©2000 Mary Ann Fitzgerald