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Is it CLEAR?: Language

A guide to source evaluation.

Language

Language involves the clarity and appropriateness of the language used in the information. An effective piece of information should be presented in a way that is easily understandable by the audience.

Questions to ask when evaluating language:

  • Is the language clear and concise?
    • Are the main points easy to understand?
    • Is the information free from jargon or technical terms that are not explained?
    • Is the language used neutral, or does it show signs of bias (e.g., emotionally charged words)?
  • Is the tone appropriate for the audience?
    • Does the language match the level of formality required for the topic?
    • Is the tone respectful and unbiased?
    • Does the tone suggest any bias or attempt to manipulate the audience’s emotions?
  • Are there any grammatical or spelling errors?
    • Do errors distract from the content or undermine its professionalism?
    • Is the information well-edited and polished?
    • Do errors or inconsistencies suggest a lack of credibility or bias?

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