Question

A student is writing an argument to support the claim that cellphones have been a positive development around the world. She is reviewing the sources she has used for her argument. Which of these sources is likely the least accurate and believable source of evidence?

A.
a magazine article by a technology expert who studies cell phones

B.
information provided by a cell phone company

C.
a U.S. government web page describing cell phone usage

D.
a newspaper story explaining how people use cell phones

Answer 1

B. A cell phone company’s information is likely the least accurate and believable because it has a strong commercial bias and may omit or downplay negative effects to promote its products. The other sources (an independent expert, a government webpage, and a newspaper report) are more likely to be objective or independently verified.