FREE CLEAR Framework | Source Evaluation Starter for Years 5–9

A free introduction to the CLEAR framework for evaluating online sources. Includes the framework explained in plain English, plus a blank template students can use with any website. Made by a teacher librarian who understands the information landscape.

Most students are asked to "do research" without being taught how to tell a real source from a fake one.

This free resource gives you and your students the CLEAR framework — a structured way to evaluate any website or article.

CLEAR stands for: Current, Legitimate author, Evidence provided, Accurate, Reason for writing. Five short questions students learn to ask of every source.

What's inside

• CLEAR framework explained in plain English — what each letter means and the questions to ask
• Academic integrity snapshot — referencing, plagiarism, and why source evaluation matters
• Blank CLEAR template for students to use with any website

Perfect for

• A single research skills lesson
• A scaffold for any research-based task
• Library lessons and teacher librarian programs
• Years 5 to 9 classrooms

Why it works

Source evaluation is one of those skills most students are expected to have and few are explicitly taught. The CLEAR framework gives them a structure, gives you a teaching tool, and gives both of you a vocabulary to talk about credibility, bias, and trustworthy information.

Ready to take it further?

For the full lesson — including two fully annotated modelled examples, four practice sources with worked answers, and multiple CLEAR templates — see the Evaluating Information Sources Workbook.

About Sarah

Made by Sarah Hodgson, Teacher Librarian. 12+ years in primary classrooms (Prep to Year 6) as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator and teacher librarian. Information literacy is one of the quiet skills I care most about — it underpins how kids think, research, and decide what to believe online.

Get it

Free download.