When appraising a text, it is important to consider the authority of the author and publisher to write on the topic, the intended audience, and the objectivity of the author. It is also important to assess the quality of the work, including whether the information is well-organized, the main points are clearly presented, and graphics are appropriately labeled and understandable without explanation. One should also consider how recently the research was conducted and published, and whether the facts presented agree with your own knowledge and that of other experts in the field.

1. Appraising a Text
• When reading a text, it is important to ask yourself
questions about the value of the text. .
• In appraising the credibility of an information source
there are several key areas to consider:
• the Authority of the author and the publisher: Are they
well qualified to write the topic at hand?
• Audience :Who is the intended audience for the
information being presented?
the Objectivity of the author
• the Quality of the work
• Coverage of the work
• Currency: How recently was the research done and the
work published?
• Is this text fact or opinion? If fact, is it true? If opinion, do
I agree? Can this writer be trusted?

2. Audience
• What type of audience is the author
addressing?
• Is the text aimed at a specialized or a
general audience?
• Is this source too simple, too technical, too
advanced, or just right for your needs?

3. Appraising quality:
• Is the information well-organized?
• Logical structure
• Main points clearly presented
• Author's argument is not repetitive
• Has the author used good grammar?
• Are there spelling or typographical errors?

4. Appraising quality:
• Are the graphics (images, tables,
charts, diagrams) appropriate and
clearly presented?
• Clearly labeled
• Descriptive title
• Understandable without explanatory
text

5. Appraising Quality
• Is the information complete and accurate?
• Facts and results agree with your own
knowledge of the subject
• Facts and results agree with those of other
specialists in the field

6. Appraising quality
• Is the information well-organized?
• Logical structure
• Main points clearly presented
• Main ideas unified by overarching idea
• Text flows well
• Author's argument is not repetitive

7. Appraising quality
• Is the information well-organized?
• Logical structure
• Main points clearly presented
• Main ideas unified by overarching idea
• Text flows well
• Author's argument is not repetitive