In the blank before each item, indicate Y for "Yes,"  S for "Sort of" or "to Some extent," N for "No" or Ñ for "does not apply."

1. It is clear what organization is responsible for the contents of the page, and there a way of verifying the legitimacy of the page's sponsor. That is, there a phone number or postal address to contact for more information. (Simply an e-mail address is not enough.)

2. It is clear who wrote the material, and the author's qualifications for writing on this topic are clearly stated.

1. You have read over the entire web page carefully and did not identify any inaccuracies.

2. Sources for any factual information is clearly listed so they can be verified.

3. The information is free of grammatical, spelling, and/or typographical errors?. (These kinds of errors not only indicate a lack of quality control, but can actually produce inaccuracies in information.)

1. The assumptions about students' vocabulary knowledge are appropriate.

2. The assumptions about students' prior knowledge are appropriate.

3. The assumptions about students' general experiential background are appropriate.

4. Abstract concepts are accompanied by concrete examples. Furthermore, it is not necessary to follow hyperlinks to understand abstract concepts.

5. Definitions are understandable and at a lower level of abstraction than the concept being defined. Furthermore, it is not necessary to follow hyperlinks to define new vocabulary.

6. The page is not too busy. Graphics, sidebars, hyperlinks, etc. do not interfere with reading.

1. The title clearly defines the contents of the text.

2. Graphs and charts are easy to read and are supportive of the textual material.

3. Illustrations and pictures are of high quality and are supportive of the textual material.

4. The print size of the text is appropriate to the level of student readers.

5. The author's style is appropriate to the level of students who will be reading the text.

6. All hyperlinks work.

7. The background color of the web page is not distracting or hard to look at for too long, and does not make reading the text difficult. In other words, there is adequate contrast between the background color and the font color.

1. Titles, headings, and subheadings are interesting and capture the reader's attention.

2. The writing style of the text is particularly interesting (e.g., the author uses colorful language and/or humor).

3. The layout and overall appearance of the web site is interesting and captures the reader's attention.

4. Color and graphics are used to make the site more appealing.

5. The text provides positive and motivating models for both sexes as well as for other racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

SUMMARY RATING

Circle one choice for each item.

    The text rates highest in understandability / usability / interest.

    The text rates lowest in understandability / usability / interest.