Read the title and any additional information below or near the title.
Identify the author and anything you can find out about him/her.
Determine the "source" - publication or website the article/webpage is from.
Read the first paragraph or first several sentences.
Try to read the first sentence of each paragraph (or every other paragraph if they are short).
Check how long it is and how it is structured.
Notice any images or charts/graphs.
Read any headings or noticeable quotes or call-outs in the margins.
Go to the end of the article and see what information about the author, source, or content is provided.
Comparing sources
Closely skim the two sources below. Think about similarities and differences in intended audience, type of information, and purpose. Be prepared to share one way you would use each article if you were researching this topic.
