Another key element to evaluating web pages is to consider the web domain. Web domains are located at the end of the URL. These indicate the type of website and can give important clues as to the type of content and credibility the site offers. Below are the most common web domains and how you can use them to evaluate the resource.
NOTE: Do not fully rely on the domain as the only clue. Its very easy to purchase any domain for very little money. Use other evaluating tools in tandem with considering the domain.
.com |
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.org |
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.edu |
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.gov |
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Quick Tip
When searching Google, you can construct your search to filter by certain web domains. Simply construct your search as follows:
Site: [domain] [search term]
Advocacy websites are sites sponsored by an organization attempting to influence public opinion (i.e. sell ideas). Typically the URL for these sites will be .org. Not all advocacy websites are extremely biased, but be sure to thoroughly review the content before using.
While evaluating the website, make sure to ask yourself:
Examples:
Business and marketing websites are those sponsored by a commercial enterprise and are usually trying to sell or promote a product. The URL for these pages frequently ends in .com.
When evaluating these websites, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:
Examples:
News websites are sites whose primary purpose is to provide current information to inform the public. The URL for news sites usually ends in .com. When using content from a news source, be sure to note if the information is an opinion or editorial piece, and be wary of Fake News.
While evaluating the website, make sure to ask yourself:
Examples:
Other types of websites you may wish to use could be informational websites, meaning those whose purpose is to provide specific, factual information to educate the public. The URL for these types of websites could end in any domain.
While evaluating the website, make sure to ask yourself:
Examples: