MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

What question should a writer ask to assess the reliability of information on a Web site?

1. How many users have visited the site in the past six months?

2. Is the site sponsored by a government agency or educational institution?

3. Does the site provide an email address for the maintainer?

4. Does the site link to other sources on the same topic?

The correct answer is: Is the site sponsored by a government agency or educational institution?

To assess the reliability of information on a website, it is crucial to determine the credibility of the source. When a site is sponsored by a government agency or educational institution, it typically adheres to higher standards of accuracy and trustworthiness. Government and educational institutions are subject to rigorous scrutiny and established guidelines for information dissemination, which often ensures that the content is reliable, factual, and well-researched. On the other hand, simply knowing the number of users who have visited the site doesn't provide any insight into the quality of the information presented. The availability of an email address for the maintainer suggests some level of accountability, but it does not guarantee the reliability of the information itself. While linking to other sources can indicate a broader context and a willingness to provide additional resources, it does not necessarily reflect the accuracy or credibility of the original content. Therefore, identifying whether a site is sponsored by credible institutions is a strong indicator of its reliability.