Evaluating Homelessness Sources: The CRAAP Test

Year 12 English Critical Literacy Skills New Zealand Context

Why Source Evaluation Matters

Information overload in digital age Misinformation can harm vulnerable communities Critical thinking builds informed citizenship Academic integrity requires reliable sources

The CRAAP Test Framework

Currency: When Was It Published?

Check publication and update dates Consider if information might be outdated Homelessness statistics change rapidly Recent policy changes affect relevance

Group Activity: Source Assignment

Form groups of 3-4 students Each group receives 2 different sources Apply CRAAP criteria systematically Use provided checklist for guidance

Relevance and Authority Check

{"left":"Does the source address NZ homelessness specifically?\nIs the author qualified to write on this topic?\nAre sources cited and verifiable?","right":"Does the publication have editorial standards?\nIs the scope appropriate for your research?\nCan you contact the author or organization?"}

Critical Thinking Challenge

Which source seems most accurate and why? What evidence supports your conclusion? How do different perspectives compare? What biases might be present?

Reflection and Next Steps

Write 2-3 sentences about most credible source Use specific CRAAP criteria in your reasoning Consider how this skill applies beyond school Prepare for future research assignments