Take this with you

  • Check a specific claim.
  • Investigate a source beyond its own website.
  • Record links, dates and limits to certainty.

What exactly are you checking?

Write down one claim you want to use, such as an examination date or a research finding. Separate it from the author’s opinion and the headline. If it contains a number, add what was measured, where and when. This keeps you focused on a specific question rather than general reassurance about a topic. A search engine or AI tool can suggest a lead, but the appearance of an answer does not establish where it came from or whether it is correct.

Who is behind the publication?

California State University, Northridge’s library describes investigating sources beyond their own websites. Open another tab and look for information about the author or organisation. For our classroom exercise, note who publishes the claim, why they might know the subject and whether they sell the solution being described. Avoid judging credibility only by design. An attractive chart without underlying data does not explain how a result was obtained or whether it answers your question. Keep appearance and evidence separate.

Where is the original material?

If an article says “the Ministry announced”, look for the Ministry’s notice. If it reports research, try to find the report and its description of participants. Check both the publication date and the event date. An old article may be insufficient for a presentation about current rules, even if it was once accurate. Two websites repeating one announcement are not automatically independent confirmations. Record missing information rather than filling the gaps with an assumption or another unsupported answer.

What can you honestly say?

Finish by choosing one of three conclusions: confirmed, partly confirmed or still unknown. Include the source link, title and date in your work. If you cannot verify a number, remove it or clearly explain the limitation. Practise together on one small claim rather than trying to check the entire internet. Saying “I have not confirmed that yet” is part of careful work, rather than something to be embarrassed about in front of classmates. Your final wording should match the evidence you actually found.

Sources & further reading

Prepared with AI assistance using the sources below. Editorial standards ↗