Expert vs. Non-Expert

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 strengthen critical reading, research judgment, and media literacy by comparing two passages about sleep and memory-one written by an expert neurologist and one by a non-expert college student. Through close reading and justification, learners evaluate credibility using evidence quality, author authority, and level of detail, building skills needed to assess information accurately.

Learning Goals

• Source Credibility Comparison (Grades 6-8)
  Determine which passage is more trustworthy based on author expertise and evidence.
• Expert vs. Non-Expert Analysis
  Identify clues such as credentials, depth of explanation, and use of research.
• Evidence Quality Evaluation
  Distinguish between evidence-based claims and anecdotal statements.
• Reasoned Justification
  Support conclusions with specific details from each passage.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with ELA, research, and media literacy standards.
• Side-by-Side Comparison
  Clear structure helps students analyze differences efficiently.
• Real-World Research Skill
  Prepares learners to judge authority in health, science, and academic topics.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Suitable for independent work, partner discussion, homework, or assessment.
• Low-Prep Format
  Print-and-go worksheet for classroom or homeschool instruction.

This printable worksheet builds essential skills in evaluating author authority, evidence quality, and credibility across sources. By comparing expert and non-expert writing on the same topic, students gain confidence in identifying reliable information and reasoning carefully about what-and whom-to trust. It’s a practical, engaging resource for both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our credibility of sources worksheets collection.