Writing: Credible Sources 2.1.2

​Writing Lesson 2.1.2

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Credible Sources

Lesson Overview

Learners can:

• write legibly and fluently in cursive to complete assignments

• identify credible sources (for example, expert opinions)

• develop a topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic and include illustrations and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension

• use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain a topic

Credible

In a previous lesson, you learned that the word “credible" means:

• believable;

• trustworthy; and

• dependable.

Her friends are not dependable and trustworthy. They are not credible.

​In this image, all of the girls are happy they are together. Credible friends do things together, say kind things to one another, and makes sure everyone feels welcome.

Credible Authors

Authors and nonfiction texts need to be credible sources of information. This means that the author and text must only share accurate and true information so the reader learns correct information and believes what is written.

When you are reading, it is your job to figure out if the author and text are credible sources.

Multiple Choice

Which would be a credible source to use for research about the United States Space Program?

• 
  a comic magazine called Space Invasion

• 
  an advertisement for a summer space camp

• 
  the government website, NASA

• 
  a personal blog about space

On page 2, you will find:

• the author's name, Torrey Maloof;

• consultants, who are experts in the field of Education;

• the places of employment for the consultants; and

• the publishing company, Teacher Created Materials.​

Who Is Responsible?

Nonfiction texts are meant to teach you something new, without the author trying to persuade you or entertain you.

It is important to look for true information, such as specific dates and photographs.

Most nonfiction texts are written without the author using the word “I."

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What Is the Purpose?

On page 2, you can find the year the text was published.

The text was published in 2017.

The text is about historical events that will not change over time.

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When Was It Written?

You can find many text features in this text:

• On pages 21 and 25, you will find correctly- or well-drawn diagrams.

• On page 27, you will find a correct timeline of events.

• On pages 28 and 29, you will find photographs of the Constitution that have not been photoshopped or changed in some way.

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Where Can You Check?

Now that you have read this text, ask yourself:

• Did you learn something new?

• Does this text help answer questions you had about America's history?

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​Why Should You Read?

Informative Writing

Do you remember Francesca? She is a fifth grader who has to write an informative text about the book, We the People.

During the last lesson, you helped Francesca finish her introductory paragraph. You helped her pick the last sentence that was clear and included facts about the topic.

Now that Francesca knows the topic and has her introductory paragraph, she needs to move into the next part of her writing. Before she can do this, she needs to make a plan.

• Every good author makes a plan. A plan helps authors organize their ideas.

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Making a Plan

Writers plan their introductory sentences, subtopics, and closing before they write. This keeps them on track!

Now that you know how to make a plan, it is time to help Francesca add more to her informative writing about We the People. 

Review the Subtopics on page 7 in edio and her writing

Adding facts, dates, and vocabulary supports her topic

All of those parts helped Francesca tell her audience more important information about her topic of the founding United States documents. She picked information from the text that connected to her topic. Way to go, Francesca!

Multiple Select

Which details prove that We the People is a credible source to learn about United States history?

• 
  a current publishing date

• text features

• opinions

• 
  facts

Multiple Select

Which elements of informative writing are important to include when you are making a writing plan?

• subtopics

• 
  characters

• 
  introductory paragraph

• closing