Research Skills — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which of these is NOT a good reason to trust a source?
A) The author is a scientist who studies the topic.
B) The information matches what other sources say.
C) The website has flashy pictures and pop-up ads.
D) The source was published by a university.
Flashy pictures and pop-up ads are signs that a website may not be focused on providing accurate information.
2. Leo wants to find which chapter in his book talks about weather. Where should he look first?
A) the glossary
B) the index
C) the table of contents
D) the back cover
The table of contents lists all chapters and their page numbers, making it easy to find a specific chapter.
3. Which set of notes is written BEST for a report about bees?
A) Bees are cool. I like honey. Bees buzz.
B) Bees live in hives. They make honey. A queen leads the colony.
C) Page 12 says bees. Page 15 says honey. Page 20 says hive.
D) Bees bees bees bees bees.
These notes use short, clear sentences written in the student's own words, capturing key facts about bees.
4. What should you do if two sources give different facts about the same topic?
A) Pick the fact that sounds more fun.
B) Ignore both facts and make up your own.
C) Check a third source to find out which fact is correct.
D) Use the fact from the shorter article.
Checking a third source helps you verify which fact is accurate when two sources disagree.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Supporting details in a report paragraph are facts that prove your main idea.
Supporting details are the facts, examples, and evidence that back up the main idea in a paragraph.
2. A bibliography is a list of sources you used, usually at the end of your report.
A bibliography lists all the books, websites, and other sources you used in your research.
3. When two sources agree on a fact, that fact is more likely to be true.
When multiple sources confirm the same fact, it increases the likelihood that the information is accurate.
4. You should never copy someone else's words without giving them credit.
Copying someone else's words without credit is called plagiarism. Always put information in your own words or give credit.
5. An outline helps you plan your ideas before you start writing your report.
An outline is a planning tool that helps you organize your main ideas and details before writing.