Evaluating Sources and MLA Works Cited

  • PLEASE remember to think critically about any source you may want to use to support your speech!!!

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is it factual? – based on facts - not hearsay, distortions, or opinions

Is it reliable? – is the source trustworthy and authoritative?

Is it well supported – does the source list it’s sources?

Is it current – is the info up to date?

Is it verifiable – can you cross-check the information with other sources?

Is it fair – is the info unbiased?

Is it comprehensive – does the source include all relevant data and information?

Make sure you pay attention to the domain!!

  • Reliable domains include: .gov(government websites), .edu (educational websites), .mil (military websties)
  • Domains to be VERY careful about: .com (commercial websites), .org (organization websties), .net (network websties)
  • For these types, find out who the source is and what their qualifications are
  • If it has been reviewed, usually that means it is acceptable

CITATIONS:

  • There are THREE places you need to cite your sources
  • In your Works Cited page
  • In your outline
  • During your speech as an oral citation
  • How to do an oral citation:
  • Include at least three pieces of information about your source. These could include:
  • Date written/created/published/updated
  • Date accessed (if online)
  • Author’s name
  • Title of book/article
  • Title of organization
  • Title of website
  • Ex. “According to Matt Lauer on the NBC Evening News on March 15, 2014…”
  • How to do an MLS Works Cited page:
  • On a separate page after the outline
  • The words “Works Cited” should be centered, in bold, and without quotations
  • The first citation should be one space under the words “Works Cited.”
  • Citations should be placed in alphabetical order by the first word on the citation – whether it is the author or the title (if no author).
  • Citations should begin at the margin on the first line and be indented (tabbed) every line thereafter.
  • Use easy bib to help you or look up Purdue Owl to find specific structures/formats
  • How to cite a source within your outline:
  • Write in the source information just as you would say it AND
  • Put the source information in parenthesis at then end of the sentence (just as you would for an essay). Include the author’s name, NO COMMA, and the page number.
  • If there is no page number, don’t put anything.
  • If there is no author, use the title of the article.
  • Example:
  • II. Body

A. First, I will discuss the types of speeches you will give in college.

1. According to Cheri Simonds, director of Education, at Illinois State University there are 3 basic speeches you must give in order to pass the required COM 110 course (Simonds).

a. In the textbook Public Speaking for College and Career it states there are two general purposes for speaking: to inform and to persuade (Gregory 119).