Directions: 1. Use the graphic organizer, linked below, to conduct a Web quest, studying and evaluating informational texts on the Odyssey.

Focus on the type of informational text represented, e. g., news article, interview, travel article, editorial, biography, etc.

List some characteristics or features of the text, such as quotes, interviews, descriptions of places or objects, statistics, images, personal experiences, etc.

Identify the main idea of the text and give examples of supporting evidence.

Click here for the Web quest graphic organizer.

When you conduct your Web quest, remember: most reliable sources for informational texts on literature are sites with addresses in the ".edu" domain. These are the websites of educational institutions. Some sites with addresses in the ".org" domain are good sources, too, as many host databases with scholarly articles.

2. Review the slide show on evaluating research information.

Complete an article evaluation sheet for each of the Web quest sources on the Web quest organizer.

Click here for the article evaluation sheet. A thorough evaluation of your source will focus on the credibility, accuracy, depth, and usefulness of the article. Include the following information for each category:

Credibility – Who is the author? What are the author's qualifications for writing on this topic? What other sources are cited within the text?

Accuracy – When was this article published? When was the information last updated? What is the purpose of this text?

Depth – Is there enough information available in the article to develop an interesting research question? Does the article provide references or links to explore and dig deeper into the topic?

Usefulness – What kinds of evidence are included within the article which would be useful in developing an argument on the topic? Is the content directly related to the topic, or is it useful background information?

3. Complete research note cards on the four Web quest articles. Include on the note cards the following information:

citation information in proper MLA format — click here to view the MLA Style Guide

topic or label for the note card based on the main idea of the article

one or two pieces of supporting information from the article, labeled and documented according to paragraph or page number

labels for all elements of the note card according to the note card sample