Page 217 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade6_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 3.5
continued
do your research: Sources, Citation, and Credibility
my Notes
Internet Sites
Be especially careful when evaluating internet sources! Be critical of websites where an author cannot be determined, unless the site is associated with a reputable institution such as a respected university, a credible media outlet, a government program or department, or a well-known organization. Beware of using sites like Wikipedia, which are collaboratively developed by users. Because anyone can add or change content, the validity of information on such sites may not meet the standards for academic research.
Some Internet sites may contain more credible information than others. A credible Internet source is one that contains information that is well researched, a bibliography or list of resources, and a statement of the site’s purpose.
One way to know whether a website is credible is through its domain suffix.
The domain name is the Web address, or Internet identity. The domain suffix, typically the three letters that follow the “dot,” is the category in which that Web site falls.
Domain Suffix
Definition/Description
.com
Stands for “commercial.” Web sites with this suffix are created to make a profit from their Internet services. Typically these Web sites sell goods or services.
.org
Stands for “organization.” Primarily used by nonprofit groups.
.net
Stands for “network.” Used by Internet service providers or Web-hosting companies.
.edu
Stands for “education.” Used by major universities or educational organizations and institutions.
.gov
Stands for “government.” Used by local, state, and federal government sites.
7. Which of the domain suffixes listed above would provide the most credible information for research on whether it is ethical to keep animals in a zoo? Why?
190 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 6
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