College Composition / Unit 22 CMP 0539 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Comparing Two Sources
The idea
Comparing two sources on the same question shows which is more credible for your purpose.
In practice
Compare in order. First, authorship: which author has relevant credentials? Second, date: which is more current for this field? Third, documentation: which cites its evidence fully? Fourth, perspective: what does each assume, and does either omit relevant points? Fifth, evidence: which offers facts and data rather than opinion? Sixth, purpose: is either selling or persuading where the other informs? Seventh, agreement: where they conflict, which agrees with other sources? Weigh the answers together, rather than relying on one factor.
Where people slip
The more recent source is not automatically the better one, nor is the more confident one. Credibility comes from the full set of factors weighed against your purpose.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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