Writing Spaces 3

Conclusion
To succeed as a researcher, and ultimately a persuasive, credible writer, you 
have learned that you can’t fly solo—that, in fact, no one can go it alone. 
You will come to understand that strong, well-defended arguments need 
support, just as, for instance, most singers need a solid back-up band. And 
like any good front person, you should audition and choose carefully those 
who will stand behind you. In other words, interrogate those sources. Ask 
the tough questions. If you do so, you can resist the charges of loaded 
language, recognize when sources tug at your heartstrings, and leave unre-
liable statements behind. 
This chapter has taken you step-by-step through the process of how to 
critically evaluate your sources. With practice, this type of thinking will 
become a natural part of your approach to both assigned reading and re-
search material as well to what’s outside the classroom. And the more criti-
cal you are in your reading and research, the more it will become a part of 
how you view the world, be it in the classroom, online, or virtually every-
where. This ability to encounter the world with a critical eye is a valuable 
tool, one that allows you to more fully engage with it. And your capacity 
for determining credibility can help you make informed decisions in your 
writing, work, and life. 
Works Cited
Allison, Dorothy. “What Did You Expect?” Atwan, pp. 588-594. 
Atwan, Robert. Convergences. 3rd ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009.
Freyer, John. “All My Life For Sale.” Atwan, pp. 80-92. 
Hauser, Kasper. “Skymaul.” Atwan, pp. 560-561. 
Humane Society of North Texas, 2019, Hsnt.org. Accessed 28 May 2019.
Lisa (pseudonym). “Reader response to ‘Skymaul.’” University of North Texas Dal-
las, November 3, 2010. Electronic posting on class discussion board.
Jack (pseudonym). “Reader response to ‘What did you Expect.’” University of 
North Texas Dallas, September 29, 2010. Electronic posting on class discus-
sion board. 
Palmquist, Mike. The Bedford Researcher. 3rd ed., Bedford/St Martin’s, 2009. 
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 2019, peta.org. Accessed 28 May 2019.

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Teacher Resources for Assessing Source 
Credibility for Crafting a Well-
Informed Argument by Kate Warrington, 
Natasha Kovalyova, and Cindy King