Unit Checkpoint
Demonstrate your mastery of research skills.
Overview
This checkpoint assesses your understanding of the research process, from finding and evaluating sources to citing them properly and organizing your paper.
Skills Assessed
- Evaluating source credibility
- Taking effective research notes
- Citing sources in MLA format
- Organizing a research paper
- Avoiding plagiarism
Checkpoint Questions
Question 1: Which source is most credible for a research paper on health? (a) A blog post by someone who "did their own research," (b) An article from the Mayo Clinic website, (c) A social media post that went viral.
Answer
(b) An article from the Mayo Clinic website. Mayo Clinic is a respected medical institution with medical experts. Blogs and social media lack professional review and verification.
Question 2: What does the CRAAP test help you evaluate?
Answer
The CRAAP test helps evaluate source credibility: Currency (Is it up-to-date?), Relevance (Does it relate to your topic?), Authority (Who created it?), Accuracy (Is it supported by evidence?), Purpose (Why was it created?).
Question 3: Create an in-text citation for this quote from page 56 of a book by Dr. Sarah Chen: "Regular exercise improves cognitive function."
Answer
"Regular exercise improves cognitive function" (Chen 56).
Question 4: Is this plagiarism? A student reads that "deforestation destroys habitats," then writes "Cutting down forests destroys animal homes" without citing.
Answer
Yes, this is plagiarism. Even though the wording is different (paraphrased), the idea came from a source and must be cited. Paraphrasing without citation is still using someone else's idea without credit.
Question 5: What are the three parts of an introduction paragraph?
Answer
Hook (attention-grabber), Background (context), and Thesis statement (main argument).
Question 6: Arrange these in correct research paper order: Body paragraphs, Works Cited, Introduction, Conclusion.
Answer
1. Introduction, 2. Body paragraphs, 3. Conclusion, 4. Works Cited.
Question 7: What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?
Answer
Primary source: Original, firsthand evidence (diaries, interviews, original research, historical documents).
Secondary source: Analysis or interpretation of primary sources (textbooks, articles about research, encyclopedias).
Question 8: Why should research notes include page numbers?
Answer
Page numbers are needed for in-text citations. Recording them while taking notes saves time later and ensures you can find the information again if needed.
Question 9: What does PEEL stand for in body paragraph structure?
Answer
Point (topic sentence), Evidence (facts, quotes, data), Explanation (analysis of evidence), Link (connection to thesis or transition).
Question 10: A website ends in .com and sells products related to your topic. What concern should you have about using it as a source?
Answer
The website has a commercial purpose and may be biased to promote its products. Information may be presented selectively to encourage purchases rather than inform objectively. Consider whether the site is trying to sell something rather than educate.
Self-Assessment
- 8-10 correct: Excellent! You have mastered research skills.
- 6-7 correct: Good work! Review the concepts you missed.
- 4-5 correct: Solid foundation. Revisit earlier lessons.
- Below 4: Review all lessons before your next research project.
Next Steps
- Apply these skills to your next research assignment
- Practice evaluating sources you encounter online
- Continue to the next ELA unit: Synthesis