What should you check about the author to assess credibility?

• A. The author's credentials and affiliations.
• B. The author's favorite hobby.
• C. The author’s preferred reading level.
• D. The author's pet's name.

Answer: (A)

Evaluating credibility hinges on the author’s authority in the topic. The most relevant factor is the author’s credentials and affiliations because they signal formal expertise, training, and the institutional backing behind the work. Credentials show degrees, certifications, and areas of specialization, indicating that the author has studied the subject in depth. Affiliations point to their professional or scholarly connections, such as universities, journals, or research organizations, which can reflect standards, peer review, and accountability. Together, these elements help you judge whether the author has legitimate standing to discuss the subject and whether there might be potential biases linked to their associations. The other options don’t inform reliability: a hobby doesn’t reflect expertise, a preferred reading level doesn’t measure accuracy, and a pet’s name is irrelevant to credibility.