Assignment Task:
Touchstone: Evaluate a Source
Assignment: For this essay, you will select one of the sources that you intend to support your argument (outlined in Touchstone 1.2 -- if you want to change topics, you will need to submit a new Touchstone 1.2 for grading). Which source you choose is up to you; however, it must be verifiable and should be substantial enough that you will be able to talk about it at length, and intricate enough that it will keep you (and your reader) interested.
NOTE: If your source or direct quotations are not verifiable for authenticity (working link, author/title/publication information match, locatable quotation) by a grader, your Touchstone will be returned for a single chance to resubmit.
The introduction of this paper will involve introducing the source: After you recap your research paper's central argument, provide the author, the title, and the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.)
You will then go on to evaluate the source on two levels:
1. Credibility (at least one full paragraph): Using the information in this unit as a guide, evaluate the source's authenticity and reliability. Look at all the information that you can find about the source to establish the author's (or sponsor's) trustworthiness.
2. Usefulness (at least one full paragraph): Using a combination of summary and analysis, examine the source on a critical level. Determine what the source's purpose (thesis) is, and how it arrives at that goal. Examine its value to you and the project you are working on. How will it help you prove your own points? How might it come in handy to back up a claim (or address a counter-claim)?
Finally, you will include a conclusion which shows your final assessments on both counts.
Sample Touchstone
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.
A. Assignment Guidelines
Directions: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines. Refer to the Sample Touchstone for additional guidance on structure, formatting, and citation.
1. Source Identification
The introduction of this paper will be introducing the source:
- Have you recapped your research paper's central argument?
- Have you provided the author's name?
- Have you provided the source title?
- Have you provided the context (where you found the source, where it was originally published, who sponsored it, etc.)?
- Have you ended the introduction with a thesis statement that sums up your evaluation of the source's credibility and usefulness?
2. Source Evaluation
- Have you provided an evaluation on the source's credibility in at least one full paragraph?
- Have you used specific, verifiable examples from the source to illustrate your evaluation of its credibility?
- Have you provided a judgment on the source's usefulness in at least one full paragraph?
- Have you used at least two specific, verifiable quotations (cited with accurate page/paragraph-numbers) from the source to illustrate your evaluation of its usefulness?
- Did you include a reference list with complete source data such as author(s)' name(s), date of publication, title, publication outlet or journal, an URL address (if available)?
3. Reflection
- Have you answered all reflection questions including specific and concrete examples that provide thoughtful insight in all responses?
- Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
B. Reflection Questions
Directions: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
1. What types of questions did you ask yourself when evaluating the credibility and usefulness of your source? (2-3 sentences)
2. How do you feel this evaluation practice will help you as you continue to move through the research process? (2-3 sentences)