Source Evaluation | FAST Format Quiz

Directions: Read each source carefully and answer the questions. For multiple choice, select the best answer. For open response, write your answer in the space provided.

Text A: "The Rise of Plant-Based Diets"

VeganLife Magazine | Staff Writer | January 2024

Plant-based diets are sweeping the nation, and it's about time! More Americans than ever are discovering the amazing benefits of going vegan. Studies clearly show that plant-based eating is the healthiest choice anyone can make. Meat is basically poison for your body, and anyone who still eats it is harming themselves and the planet.

The meat industry is destroying our environment with greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By going plant-based, you become part of the solution. There's no good reason to eat meat in today's world - it's simply the right thing to do.

Text B: "Dietary Choices and Health Outcomes: A Review"

Journal of Nutrition Science | Dr. Maria Gonzalez, PhD | February 2024

This meta-analysis examined 47 peer-reviewed studies on dietary patterns and health outcomes. Results indicate that well-planned plant-based diets can provide adequate nutrition and may reduce risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, plant-based diets require careful planning to ensure sufficient protein, vitamin B12, and iron intake.

The analysis also found that moderate consumption of lean meats, fish, and dairy within a balanced diet did not significantly increase health risks compared to vegetarian diets. The researchers conclude that overall dietary quality - including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and limited processed foods - matters more than complete elimination of animal products.

Question 1

Which statement BEST describes the primary purpose of Text A?

A. To present scientific research on nutrition B. To persuade readers to adopt a plant-based diet C. To compare different dietary approaches objectively D. To inform readers about environmental issues

Question 2

Which phrase from Text A is an example of BIASED LANGUAGE?

A. "More Americans than ever" B. "Meat is basically poison for your body" C. "greenhouse gas emissions" D. "water pollution"

Question 3

Text B is MORE CREDIBLE than Text A because it:

A. Uses more emotional language to connect with readers B. Presents research-based evidence and acknowledges limitations C. Is published more recently D. Makes stronger claims about dietary choices

Question 4

Text A claims that "meat is basically poison." How does Text B CONTRADICT this claim?

A. Text B ignores the topic of meat consumption entirely B. Text B says meat consumption is more common than plant-based diets C. Text B found that moderate meat consumption did not significantly increase health risks D. Text B says that plant-based diets are unhealthy

Text C: "Space Tourism: The Next Frontier"

GalaxyVoyages.com (Space Tourism Company) | 2024

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Space tourism is finally here! Our revolutionary spacecraft can take you to the edge of space for an unforgettable experience. See Earth from 60 miles up and experience weightlessness like the astronauts!

Our state-of-the-art technology is completely safe and has been tested extensively. Book your seat today - spots are limited! Early buyers get exclusive discounts on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Text D: "Commercial Spaceflight Safety Assessment"

NASA Office of Safety | Technical Report | December 2023

This report assesses the current state of commercial spaceflight safety. While significant progress has been made, space tourism remains inherently risky. Analysis of test flights reveals that current systems have a reliability rate of approximately 98%, meaning roughly 1 in 50 flights may experience some form of anomaly.

Companies must meet FAA licensing requirements, but current regulations do not mandate the same safety standards as commercial aviation. Passengers must sign informed consent documents acknowledging the experimental nature of the activity. The report recommends additional regulatory oversight as the industry expands.

Question 5

Using the CRAAP test, evaluate Text C. Which criteria does it FAIL? Select all that apply.

A. Authority - published by a company selling the service B. Accuracy - claims of "completely safe" without evidence C. Purpose - written to sell a product rather than inform D. All of the above

Question 6

Text C claims their technology is "completely safe." Based on Text D, this claim is:

A. Accurate, because the FAA has approved commercial spaceflight B. Misleading, because NASA reports a 98% reliability rate with possible anomalies C. True, because no accidents have been reported D. Impossible to evaluate without more information

Question 7

Why is Text D considered a more RELIABLE source than Text C for understanding space tourism safety?

A. Text D is longer and contains more words B. Text D comes from an independent government agency with no financial interest C. Text D was published more recently D. Text D uses simpler language

Question 8

A student is researching whether space tourism is safe for a school report. Which approach demonstrates the BEST source evaluation skills?

A. Using only Text C because it's from a space tourism company B. Using only Text D because it's from NASA C. Using both texts and noting that Text C has potential bias due to its commercial purpose D. Ignoring both texts and writing based on personal opinion

Question 9 (Open Response - 2 points)

Compare the reliability of Text A and Text B. Using the CRAAP test criteria, explain which source is MORE credible and provide TWO specific reasons with evidence from the texts.

Question 10 (Open Response - 2 points)

Explain the difference between a source that has BIAS and a source that is UNRELIABLE. Can a biased source still contain useful information? Use examples from the texts to support your answer.

Copy the script below and paste it into Google Apps Script to create a form:

function createSourceEvaluationQuiz() { var form = FormApp.create('Source Evaluation - FAST Format Quiz'); form.setDescription('Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.2.3'); form.setIsQuiz(true); // Question 1 var q1 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q1.setTitle('Question 1: Which statement BEST describes the primary purpose of Text A?') .setChoices([ q1.createChoice('To present scientific research on nutrition', false), q1.createChoice('To persuade readers to adopt a plant-based diet', true), q1.createChoice('To compare different dietary approaches objectively', false), q1.createChoice('To inform readers about environmental issues', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 2 var q2 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q2.setTitle('Question 2: Which phrase from Text A is an example of BIASED LANGUAGE?') .setChoices([ q2.createChoice('"More Americans than ever"', false), q2.createChoice('"Meat is basically poison for your body"', true), q2.createChoice('"greenhouse gas emissions"', false), q2.createChoice('"water pollution"', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 3 var q3 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q3.setTitle('Question 3: Text B is MORE CREDIBLE than Text A because it:') .setChoices([ q3.createChoice('Uses more emotional language to connect with readers', false), q3.createChoice('Presents research-based evidence and acknowledges limitations', true), q3.createChoice('Is published more recently', false), q3.createChoice('Makes stronger claims about dietary choices', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 4 var q4 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q4.setTitle('Question 4: Text A claims that "meat is basically poison." How does Text B CONTRADICT this claim?') .setChoices([ q4.createChoice('Text B ignores the topic of meat consumption entirely', false), q4.createChoice('Text B says meat consumption is more common than plant-based diets', false), q4.createChoice('Text B found that moderate meat consumption did not significantly increase health risks', true), q4.createChoice('Text B says that plant-based diets are unhealthy', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 5 var q5 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q5.setTitle('Question 5: Using the CRAAP test, evaluate Text C. Which criteria does it FAIL?') .setChoices([ q5.createChoice('Authority - published by a company selling the service', false), q5.createChoice('Accuracy - claims of "completely safe" without evidence', false), q5.createChoice('Purpose - written to sell a product rather than inform', false), q5.createChoice('All of the above', true) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 6 var q6 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q6.setTitle('Question 6: Text C claims their technology is "completely safe." Based on Text D, this claim is:') .setChoices([ q6.createChoice('Accurate, because the FAA has approved commercial spaceflight', false), q6.createChoice('Misleading, because NASA reports a 98% reliability rate with possible anomalies', true), q6.createChoice('True, because no accidents have been reported', false), q6.createChoice('Impossible to evaluate without more information', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 7 var q7 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q7.setTitle('Question 7: Why is Text D considered a more RELIABLE source than Text C?') .setChoices([ q7.createChoice('Text D is longer and contains more words', false), q7.createChoice('Text D comes from an independent government agency with no financial interest', true), q7.createChoice('Text D was published more recently', false), q7.createChoice('Text D uses simpler language', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 8 var q8 = form.addMultipleChoiceItem(); q8.setTitle('Question 8: A student is researching space tourism safety. Which approach demonstrates the BEST source evaluation skills?') .setChoices([ q8.createChoice('Using only Text C because it is from a space tourism company', false), q8.createChoice('Using only Text D because it is from NASA', false), q8.createChoice('Using both texts and noting that Text C has potential bias due to its commercial purpose', true), q8.createChoice('Ignoring both texts and writing based on personal opinion', false) ]) .setPoints(1); // Question 9 - Open Response var q9 = form.addParagraphTextItem(); q9.setTitle('Question 9: Compare the reliability of Text A and Text B. Using the CRAAP test criteria, explain which source is MORE credible and provide TWO specific reasons with evidence from the texts.') .setRequired(true); // Question 10 - Open Response var q10 = form.addParagraphTextItem(); q10.setTitle('Question 10: Explain the difference between a source that has BIAS and a source that is UNRELIABLE. Can a biased source still contain useful information? Use examples from the texts to support your answer.') .setRequired(true); Logger.log('Form created: ' + form.getEditUrl()); }

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3. Paste this script and click Run
4. Check your Google Drive for the new form

Source Evaluation - FAST Format Quiz

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