Source Evaluation Outline Template
Use this source evaluation template to turn a prompt into a working structure before drafting. It gives you a copyable outline, a filled example, and the planning checks that keep the page useful for a real assignment rather than a generic blank form.
Copyable template
Outline structure
Copy the sections first, then replace bracketed text with details from your prompt, sources, or experience.
Introduction
- Hook: Open with a sentence that makes the source and the research question feel specific.
- Context: Give the reader the background needed to understand the source evaluation.
- Evaluation judgment: [State whether the source is useful, credible, limited, or unsuitable.]
Author, publication, and evidence quality
- Topic sentence: State the author, publication, and evidence quality point for this source evaluation.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Bias, purpose, and missing context
- Topic sentence: State the bias, purpose, and missing context point for this source evaluation.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Relevance to your paper
- Topic sentence: State the relevance to your paper point for this source evaluation.
- Evidence or detail: Add the source, moment, data point, scene, or experience that proves the point.
- Analysis: Explain why this evidence matters instead of letting the example sit on its own.
- Link back: Tie the paragraph to the main claim and prepare the next move.
Conclusion
- Return to the evaluation judgment: restate the main point in new language.
- Synthesize: Show how the body sections work together, with emphasis on how the source should or should not be used.
- Final sentence: Leave the reader with a precise implication, reflection, or next question.
Filled example
Evaluating a Climate Policy Blog Post
Prompt: Evaluate whether a blog post is credible for a research paper.
Working claim: The blog post is useful for public opinion examples but should not serve as scientific evidence because it lacks transparent sourcing.
Introduction
- Hook: Introduce the stakes behind "Evaluating a Climate Policy Blog Post".
- Context: Narrow the topic so the reader knows the exact angle.
- Evaluation judgment: The blog post is useful for public opinion examples but should not serve as scientific evidence because it lacks transparent sourcing.
Author background and missing citations
- Point: Author background and missing citations.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Purpose and persuasive tone
- Point: Purpose and persuasive tone.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Limited use as public discourse evidence
- Point: Limited use as public discourse evidence.
- Evidence: Add the most specific source, event, quotation, or detail available.
- Commentary: Explain the consequence, meaning, or lesson the reader should take from it.
Conclusion
- Restated idea: Return to the main claim without copying the same sentence.
- Synthesis: Connect the sections around how the source should or should not be used.
- Final thought: End with the larger lesson, implication, or academic takeaway.
How to use it
Adapt the structure
- 1Read the prompt and mark the task words before filling in this source evaluation template.
- 2Draft the evaluation judgment first so every body section has a clear job.
- 3Add evidence placeholders before writing paragraphs; replace weak examples before drafting.
- 4Check that each body section does a different kind of work.
- 5Copy the outline into the editor and expand each bullet into complete paragraphs.
Common mistakes
Check before drafting
- Calling a source credible because it looks professional.
- Ignoring how the source will actually support the essay.
- Writing full paragraphs inside the outline before the logic is settled.
- Repeating the same evidence in multiple sections instead of assigning each detail a distinct job.
FAQ
Questions about this template
What should I put in a source evaluation template?
Start with the prompt, a working evaluation judgment, body sections with evidence placeholders, and a conclusion plan. The goal is to make the logic visible before you draft.
Can I change this source evaluation outline?
Yes. Treat the template as a structure, not a script. Add or remove body sections based on the assignment length, rubric, and available evidence.
Should an outline use complete sentences?
Use complete sentences for the thesis or controlling idea. Bullets can be shorter, but they should be specific enough that you know what evidence and analysis each paragraph needs.
Write from the outline
Start with structure, then draft with sources and citations.
Copy the template into EssayGenius and turn each bullet into a paragraph with source search, revision help, and citation support nearby.