The Web as a source of unconventional research materials in second language academic writing

This study examined 68 Web sources selected by 19 second-language (L2) students while preparing to write research papers. Students submitted an annotated bibliography consisting of ten sources from print or electronic media. Each Web source was classified according to type (e.g., news or advocacy). Of the 68 sites, 29 were considered conventional, i.e., similar to materials housed in libraries (e.g., books and journal articles), and eight were “dead” links. The remaining 33 were rated unconventional, consisting of materials from interest groups, commercial enterprises, and informal academic materials. This paper presents an assessment of the 33 unconventional sites based on WATCH, a rating scale consisting of four broad criteria: author's reputation; the site's objectivity; its academic rigor; and the transparency of its publishing information (Stapleton, P., and Helms-Park, R. (in press). Evaluating Web sources in an EAP course: Introducing a multi-trait instrument for feedback and assessment. English for Specific Purposes). In addition, the paper analyzes seven unconventional sources to illustrate the need to focus on Website evaluation skills in academic contexts.