📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Practice precise and natural vocabulary to evaluate the reliability and relevance of evidence and information sources.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
credible source |
a trustworthy and reliable place or person providing information | Always check if the information comes from a credible source before using it in your report. |
|
bias in evidence |
when information is unfairly one-sided or influenced by personal opinions | The report contained clear signs of bias in evidence, so the conclusions seemed unreliable. |
|
corroborate facts |
to confirm facts by finding supporting evidence from different sources | We need to corroborate facts from several studies before making a final decision. |
|
peer-reviewed study |
a research study examined and approved by experts in the same field | The article referenced a peer-reviewed study to ensure the accuracy of the data. |
|
primary source |
original materials or evidence directly related to the topic | Historians often prefer using a primary source to get firsthand information about events. |
|
evaluate validity |
to judge how accurate and sound the information or evidence is | Before accepting the claims, we must carefully evaluate validity to avoid mistakes. |
🔍 See It in Context
Discussing Research Sources in a Study Group
During our group meeting, Maria pointed out that some articles were not from a credible source. John suggested we should corroborate facts by comparing data from different studies. Anna emphasized the importance of relying on peer-reviewed studies to avoid bias in evidence. We also agreed to evaluate validity thoroughly before using any information. Later, Mark found a primary source that strengthened our argument significantly. This process helped us trust the material we planned to cite in our presentation.
💡 Notice the Pattern
Using the Correct Prepositions for Key Vocabulary
Some vocabulary in this lesson requires specific prepositions to sound natural. For example, we use 'bias in evidence' and not 'bias of evidence'. Also, we say 'corroborate facts' without a preposition after 'corroborate'.
- The study showed bias in evidence that affected the outcome.
- The lawyer asked the witness to corroborate facts presented in the case.
💬 Useful Examples
- The professor asked us to cite a credible source in our essay.
- It’s important to watch out for bias in evidence when reading news articles.
- The scientist made efforts to corroborate facts through multiple experiments.
- Evaluating validity helps researchers decide which data to trust.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
We should always rely on information from a ____ when writing academic papers (credible source / biased article / hearsay).
2.
The researcher noticed there was clear ____ that affected the study's findings (accuracy in results / bias in evidence / clarity in data).
3.
To strengthen her argument, she decided to ____ from several independent reports (ignore data / speculate on findings / corroborate facts).
4.
The article's credibility increased because it referenced a recent ____ (peer-reviewed study / personal opinion / blog post).
5.
Historians often prefer a ____ for authentic information about past events (secondary source / primary source / third-hand account).
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
credible source
2.
evaluate validity
3.
bias in evidence
4.
corroborate facts
5.
peer-reviewed study
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
What does 'corroborate facts' mean in evaluating sources?
2.
Which is the best description of a 'credible source'?
3.
Why is a peer-reviewed study important?
4.
If a report shows bias in evidence, what does this mean?
5.
What should you do to evaluate validity?
📝 Use It Yourself
Write 2-3 sentences explaining how you would check if a source is credible and how to avoid bias in evidence.
Example:
To check if a source is credible, I look for authors who are experts and if the information comes from peer-reviewed studies. I avoid bias in evidence by comparing facts from multiple reliable sources.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
I always try to corroborate facts before sharing information.
Say:
Evaluating validity is essential when reading research papers.
Ask:
How do you identify a credible source?
Say:
Bias in evidence can make conclusions unreliable.
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. credible source
2. bias in evidence
3. corroborate facts
4. peer-reviewed study
5. primary source
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. e – a trustworthy place or person providing information
2. a – judge how accurate and sound the information is
3. b – an unfair influence on information due to personal opinions
4. c – confirm facts by checking different sources
5. d – research examined and approved by experts
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. To confirm facts using supporting evidence from different sources
2. A trustworthy and reliable place providing information.
3. Because it has been reviewed by experts for accuracy.
4. The information is one-sided and unfairly influenced.
5. Judge how accurate and reliable the information is.