It is important to be able to think critically about the content of a source.

Thinking critically involves asking yourself questions about the source and its contents to help
you evaluate the source's usefulness.
a) Read the text to find out how to identify useful sources.

1. Evaluation of sources
Whether printed or electronic, you need to evaluate the suitability and reliability of your sources.
The factors below may help you do this.
2. Purpose and scope
After locating a source, consider its scope* and purpose and the context in which it was written.
Such questions will help you determine the relevance of a source for your topic.
3. Know the author
A source is not considered very reliable, if no author or organisation is in his/her field. named. If
named, it is preferable that the author is well-known and well-cited in his/her field.
4. Audience
text may not suit your purpose.
Who are the intended readers for this text? A too specialised or too general
5. Timeliness
Do not use an old edition if a new one is available. For some disciplines, for
others it is not always as essential.
example scientific disciplines, it is important to use a recent source, while in
6. Reliability
Reliability is connected with the quality of publications in which sources appear. Peer-reviewed
journals are usually treated as reliable sources since anything published there goes through a
rigorous process before it is published.
7. Identify bias
It is important to notice whether a researcher has financial or emotional connection with the
subject. In such cases, there can be the possibility of bias.

b) Now come up with questions for each section that can help you evaluate a source. For
example:

"Pleasure and Misery of Winter in Bangladesh"

Topic Sentence:
The winter season in Bangladesh is a captivating and intricate chapter in the country's climate
story, offering its residents a paradoxical experience that encompasses both profound pleasure
and significant misery.

Supporting Details:
1. Pleasure:
- At the forefront of the pleasures of Bangladeshi winter is the respite it provides from the
stifling heat and relentless humidity that prevails through most of the year. As the temperature
drops, the air takes on a crisp, invigorating quality, breathing new life into the surroundings. The
mere act of taking a deep breath feels like a refreshment in itself, and outdoor activities become
a sheer delight.
- The winter season is also a time for cultural and traditional celebrations, chief among them
being Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, and Victory Day. These festivities are marked by
grand processions, vibrant displays, and a rich tapestry of cultural performances. People from
all walks of life come together, share greetings, and savor a delightful array of traditional dishes.
The collective joy and unity that these celebrations foster add immeasurably to the overall
pleasure of the season.

2. Misery:
- On the flip side, the joys of Bangladeshi winter are far from universal. Many households lack
the means to insulate their homes or provide adequate heating. For them, the cold temperatures
become a source of discomfort, with the risk of cold-related illnesses looming large. In extreme
cases, this frigid season can become a struggle for survival, particularly among the
economically disadvantaged.
- Dense fog is another characteristic feature of the winter months in Bangladesh. This
meteorological phenomenon disrupts transportation networks, leading to canceled flights,
delayed trains, and congested roadways. Commuters and travelers are left grappling with
significant frustration, inconvenience, and often substantial economic losses due to these
impediments.

3. Concluding Sentence:
In summation, the winter season in Bangladesh is a vivid embodiment of contrasts. It is a time
for sweet relief from the relentless heat, a period of cultural jubilation, but also a season fraught
with challenges related to cold-induced discomfort and transportation woes. This multifaceted
nature of the Bangladeshi winter weaves its way into the lives of its residents, shaping their
experiences and perspectives in ways both enchanting and burdensome. The intricacies and
the delicate balance of pleasure and misery in this season are a testament to the diversity and
resilience of the Bangladeshi people, who embrace this climatic paradox with grace and
determination.

C) Now read the essay and find its -

Source:
Purpose and Scope:
Know the author:
Audience:
Timeliness:
Reliability:
Identify Bias: