Apply lateral reading and click restraint for digital source evaluation (CCSS W.7.8; SHEG Civic Online Reasoning)
Exercise
Difficulty 4
~12 min
eng.g7.f.ex_08
Lateral Reading Audit
Prompt
Apply lateral reading to a website source. Open 4 tabs (author / publisher / claim / competing claims) and document what you found. Reach a credibility verdict.
M-7-F-RES-EX-08-A
Interactive
Physical / non-image
Tab-tracker worksheet with 4 numbered tab slots and verdict box. Print-ready 8.5x11.
Answer criteria
type
rubric
rubric
4 tabs documented + verdict = 4; 4 tabs no verdict = 3; 2-3 tabs = 2; <2 = 1
Hints
- Tab 1 search author's name + 'credentials' or 'biography.'
- Tab 4 search the specific CLAIM the source makes — what do critics say?
Misconceptions to watch
- Reads the source carefully BEFORE opening lateral tabs.
- Trusts the source if 'About' page looks professional without checking author independently.
Used in lessons