6th+Research

How do I know a site is credible?
Usually sites that have a good reputation also have a positive media image. Such sites include Time, Newsweek, Encyclpaedia Britannica, CNN, etc. Most sites that end with .edu offer credible information, too. These belong to schools and universities. Some .org sites supply good information, too, especially if they are historical societies. Any .gov site is hosted by the government and would be a great site to use.

Is there anything in particular that will tell me a site is not credible?
There are some big signs of a weak site.
 * The first is misspelling. If you are at a .edu site, and words are not spelled correctly, you are likely looking at a student's paper.
 * Wallpaper: if the site offers downloadable wallpaper, it's probably not credible.
 * Items for purchase: if the site offers odd little novelties or things like ring tones or t-shirts with your person's image, it is probably not credible.
 * Images of your person dancing: this is probably not academic.
 * Stay away from About.com and Wikipedia.com, as well as other sites built by people like you and me. We cannot guarantee that the material posted is authoritative.
 * Sites with unofficial titles. Try this: go to this site about Abraham Lincoln. It looks pretty plain. Scroll to the bottom and click RETURN TO CIVIL WAR BIOGRAPHY PAGE. Scroll to the bottom of that page and click Return to Shotgun's Home of the Civil War. Hmmm... That doesn't sound like an official source, does it? You may have to click around to get to home pages or host pages. Sometimes, that's the best way to see how credible a site is.


 * Abbreviations, Commas, Semicolons, Colons Practice Test**


 * Correct the abbreviations in the following sentences:**
 * 1) We live on Kerns Ave., which is near the park.
 * 2) The bus will arrive at 3:00 pm.
 * 3) That ruler is only eleven in. long.
 * 4) Someone in the class has visited PA.
 * 5) I would like to have met Gen George Washington.

 Dear Grandma We would like to wish you a happy birthday! Sincerely Billy and Ann
 * Insert commas where they belong, and write the keyword of the rule that applies.**
 * 1) When you visit the haunted house be sure to be aware of your surroundings.
 * 2) Allie Bill Jill and Jack want to take a tour of Fort Delaware in Delaware City Delaware.
 * 3) The house on the corner which everyone thinks is spooky is actually owned by a very kind couple.
 * 4) Ben where is Beth’s broom?
 * 5) Have you ever visited Omaha Nebraska?
 * 6) Does Big Bird live at 123 Sesame Street New York City NY 10128?
 * 7) No one know I believe where he actually lives.
 * 8) In the woods behind our house we found some forts which seem to be fairly old.
 * 9) Maybe the neighborhood children made them but the forts have not been used in years.


 * Insert semicolons where they belong, and write the keyword of the rule that applies.**
 * 1) The sun is shining today we might be able to put up the outdoor decorations.
 * 2) Joe invited Andy, George, and Marcus, and Shirley invited Betty, Ann, and Alice.
 * 3) Tess, my sister, Andrew, my cousin, and Colleen, my aunt, will all attend Thanksgiving dinner.

 Dear Senator Carper I would like to see legislation that bans the use of hand-held cell phones nationwide. These devices cause distraction, adding dangers to the road. Sincerely, A. Citizen
 * Insert colons where they belong, and write the keyword of the rule that applies.**
 * 1) Please arrive by 500 P.M.
 * 2) The Book of Psalms 35 27 talks about joy.
 * 3) For class this afternoon, you will need the following items a green pen, plain paper, transparent tape, and a ruler.
 * 4) Several students’ projects will appear in the magazine they successfully solved the challenges presented by the growing landfill problems.
 * 5) We will read the novel Pioneers A Story of Struggle.

For answers, click here.