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English Composition / First Year Writing

A research guide for students in first year writing classes (ENGL 1005A/B,10010, 1050, 2030)

Basic Questions

When considering a source, ask yourself some basic questions:

  • What's the purpose of this source? Who is the intended audience?
  • What kind of source is it? Is it a book, book chapter, journal article, magazine/news article, trade/professional article, report, etc.?
  • Does this source fulfill the assignment requirements? If it is an article, is it peer-reviewed? 
  • If it is a book, where was it published?
  • Who is the author and what are their credentials?

C.R.A.A.P. Test

John F. Kennedy Memorial Library
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8300
323-343-3988