Research Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A fiction storybook about dragons is a good source for a report on reptiles.
Corrected: A nonfiction book about reptiles is a good source for a report on reptiles.
A fiction storybook about dragons is made-up, so it would not have real facts about reptiles. A nonfiction book about reptiles gives true information you can trust for a report.
2. Fix the sentence:
The index at the front of the book lists all the chapters in order.
Corrected: The table of contents at the front of the book lists all the chapters in order.
The index lists topics alphabetically at the back of a book, not chapters at the front. The table of contents is the part at the front that shows chapters in order with page numbers.
3. Fix the sentence:
When taking notes, you should copy every sentence from the book exactly.
Corrected: When taking notes, you should write key facts in your own words.
Copying every sentence word-for-word is not good note-taking because it could be plagiarism. Writing key facts in your own words helps you understand what you read and shows the ideas are yours.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word on each line.
1. A expert is a person who knows a lot about a subject and can share trustworthy facts.
An expert is someone who has studied a subject deeply, so their facts are trustworthy. For example, a veterinarian is an expert on animal health.
2. You should check at least two sources to make sure your facts are correct.
Checking at least two sources lets you compare facts to make sure they match. If two different books say the same thing, you can be more confident the information is correct.
3. An encyclopedia is a large book or website with short articles about many subjects.
An encyclopedia contains short articles on many different subjects, organized alphabetically. It can be a big book set or a website like an online encyclopedia.
4. After reading a source, write down the title and author so you can find it again.
Recording the title and author helps you find the source again later and gives proper credit when you write your report.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A librarian can help you find good sources for your research.
True False
Librarians are trained to help people find books, websites, and other sources on any topic, so they are great helpers when you start a research project.
2. You only need one source to write a research report.
True False
Using only one source means you cannot check whether the facts are accurate. Good researchers use at least two or three sources to compare information.
3. Citing a source means telling where you found your information.
True False
Citing a source means writing down where you found a fact, such as the book title or website name, so readers know the information came from a real place.