Skip to Main Content

English 110 - Lukomski: Websites & Evaluating Sources

This guide provides students with recommended resources for research in English 110 with Wendy Lukomski.

Finding Credible Web Sources

Google Advanced Search
You can use Google Advanced Search to limit your search results in various ways, including:
- Searching for a complete phrase
- Omitting irrelevant words
- Choosing a domain, like .edu, to limit to webpages from educational institutions
- Limiting to pages updated during a certain timeframe

SIFT & PICK Fact Checking & Source Evaluation
A printable version of the SIFT & PICK approach to evaluating sources using lateral reading (SIFT) to fact check a source and vertical reading (PICK) to decide whether it is the best source for your needs.

Finding Credible Web Sources
Our Finding Credible Web Sources guide has more tips on searching the Internet.

Journalistic Standards

The Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University uses the acronym V.I.A. to describe the characteristics shared by trustworthy media outlets:

Verification
- Uses evidence from multiple credible sources to demonstrate the accuracy or truth of claims
Independence
- Is free from outside control or influence
- Makes conscious effort to set aside preexisting beliefs
- Uses checks and balances
Accountability
- Takes responsibility for work
- Acknowledges mistakes and makes corrections

Evaluating Sources