post 5: The DK handbook- evaluating sources for relevance

When presenting an argument, sources play an imperative role as supporting evidence.  There are a few questions that the person presenting the argument must consider when selecting a source. First, the writer must decide if the source makes sense to his or her particular audience. The writer must assess the audience because different sources appeal to different groups of people. Secondly, it is important to use a source that relates to the presented argument. If the source has no relevance to the topic of the writing assignment, the source is completely ineffective in proving the point. Another thing to take into consideration is if the source adds a new perspective to the article. A supporting detail must be on topic, have a relevant publication date, provide new interest, bring in differing data, and suggest other possible research opportunities. In every type of rhetoric, their credibility is determined by the relevance. When trying to support an argument, the writer must consider each of these steps before proceeding with the analysis.