Because Web sites can be published without having gone through a rigorous review process, you'll want to evaluate them carefully. Evaluate a Web site by learning about its author, publisher, purpose, publication date, use of evidence, relevance, timeliness, and credibility.

Step 1:         Enter the name and URL of a Web source in the space below.

Step 2:         Check its domain (.edu, .gov, .com, .org). What does it tell you about the site?

Step 3:         Check the title bar, page header, and page titles. What can you tell about the purpose, publisher, and relevance?

Step 4:         Search for information—in page footers, elsewhere on the site, or through a separate Web search—about the author or publisher, if identified. Look for About this Site or Contact links. Record what you learn and your evaluation of that information below.

Step 5:         Check timeliness by looking for publication or a "last modified" dates. List the date and what you can learn from it below.

Step 6:         Add the body text and review illustrations to evaluate relevance, evidence, and comprehensiveness. Record your evaluation below.