Evaluate sources using the WHO-WHEN-CHECK-IT three-question routine (entry-level Wineburg sourcing)
Exercise Difficulty 3 ~10 min eng.g4.s.ex_03

Source Evaluation Who When Check

Prompt

Apply the WHO-WHEN-CHECK-IT card to 3 candidate sources for your research question. For each source, write the WHO answer (qualifications), WHEN answer (year + currency), and CHECK answer (corroboration). Rank by credibility.

M-4-S-EX-03 Illustration
Reference image of a completed source-evaluation worksheet with 3 sources evaluated and ranked. Print-ready 8.5x11.

Reference image of a completed source-evaluation worksheet with 3 sources evaluated and ranked. Print-ready 8.5x11.

How it's presented
mode handwriting paper single line g4
Answer criteria
type rubric
criteria
  1. 3 sources evaluated
  2. All 3 questions answered for each
  3. Ranking by credibility justified
  4. Specific qualifications and dates given
Hints
  1. WHO checks the author's expertise.
  2. WHEN checks currency — historical events may not require current sources.
  3. CHECK = corroboration in another source.
Misconceptions to watch
  • Skips one of the 3 questions.
  • Treats all sources as equally credible.