Evaluating the Format of Informational Text

Summary

In this lesson, students will learn about a topic in three different text formats. They will then evaluate each format to determine the pros and cons. Students will also assess the credibility of each text.

Materials

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Students will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of presenting information in a variety of formats.
• Students will assess the credibility of each source of information and will demonstrate understanding of how to evaluate various sources of information.

Instructional Procedures

1. Read the information on page 724 of Holt Elements of Literature: Second Course textbook.

2. Read the article, "Getting to the Pointe" on pages 725-726 as a class.

3. Have students complete the summary part of the assignment.

4. Hand out the ReadWriteThink website evaluation form. As a class, use this form to evaluate the article. (They don't need to write down their answers--just use it as a discussion guide.) Explain that they should skip the parts that only apply to websites and focus on the parts that will help them evaluate the article.

5. Students should complete the rest of the questions found in the attached handout about the written article.
   • Which structure was used?
   • Was it effective? Why or why not?
   • Was there unity in the article? Explain.
   • Is this a credible source of information? Explain your answer, giving at least two specific reasons.
   When they finish, discuss their ideas as a whole group.

6. Show the YouTube video: Anaheim Ballet: Your Point Shoe Questions, Answered

7. Use the website evaluation form as a discussion guide to analyze the credibility of the video.

8. Students should complete the next section of the assignment.
   • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a video to present information?
   • Is this video a credible source of information? Explain your answer, giving at least two specific reasons.
   Discuss their ideas.

9. Show the slide show Ballerina Pointe Shoes

10. Use the website evaluation form as a discussion guide to analyze the credibility of the slideshow.

11. Have students complete the next section of the assignment.
    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a slideshow to present information?
    • Is a slideshow a credible source of information? Explain your answer, giving at least two specific reasons.
    Then discuss their ideas.

12. Have students complete the final question: Of the three formats, which one was the most effective at presenting information? Explain.

    Have a class discussion about their ideas.

You will find a student handout for this lesson below.

Assessment Plan

Students will complete the independent assessment activity about baseball bats. This can be done as homework, in the computer lab, or in class.

Bibliography

• Anaheim Ballet YouTube Video
• Love to Know Slideshow: Ballerina Pointe Shoes
• eHow.com: How to Make a Baseball Bat
• Holt Elements of Literature: Second Course, 2005
• How It's Made: Baseball Bat
• Instructables.com: Turning a Baseball Bat
• ReadWriteThink.org: Website Evaluation Form