20. In pairs, look at the suggestions for evaluating websites used for research. Discuss which you agree/disagree with and give reasons for each answer.

1 You should always find out who runs the website.

2 You need to find out the purpose of the website. The best way to do this is to click on 'About us'.

3 Websites run by governments are usually fairly reliable.

4 Commercial websites, which try to sell products or raise money, give a lot of reliable and accurate information.

5 Professional associations, such as scientific and medical research societies, tend to be reliable.

6 A reputable website will not give you links to other websites.

7 A website will be a useful source of information only if it is updated regularly.

8 A website is usually reliable if it contains facts and opinions, and the names of experts.

9 An article on a website will probably be worth reading if it has been reviewed by someone well known in the field.

21. Listen to Part 2 of the lecture. Tick the points that the lecturer makes in this section of her talk.

1 Government and educational websites are generally reliable.

2 Commercial organisations are often non-profit making.

3 If there is no review by a specialist in the field, the information needs to be checked carefully.

4 Websites must be kept up-to-date regularly.

5 Websites should contain only facts or results.

6 Links can help to support the results of research.

7 The lecturer thinks that libraries are still the most reliable source of information.

22. Listen to Part 1 of a lecture on evaluating websites that you use for research. Answer the questions.

1 What are the speaker's two main points?

2 What warning does she give her audience?

Report on Homeopathy

Introduction

This report investigates homeopathy and considers whether the therapy is effective and safe.

The report gathered information from the following sources:

• 3,500 of our members were sent questionnaires asking them about their experience of using the therapy. We received 2,560 completed surveys.

• Leading medical journals and experts in the field were consulted.

Facts and findings

1 Homeopathy was developed in Germany in the late 1700s. Illnesses are treated with very small samples of natural materials such as plants, minerals and some animal products.

2 Homeopathic prescriptions are tailored to each patient. Two patients may have the same symptoms but be given different remedies.

3 Homeopathy is considered safe by most users and experts because the ingredients are used in small quantities and are diluted.

4 Opinion is divided about the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. Some leading medical journals say that the therapy does not have any real benefits. However, some studies have found that homeopathic remedies are 'equivalent to conventional medicines' in treating certain illnesses.

5 Our members used homeopathy to treat a wide range of medical problems. Just over 52% said that they would recommend the treatment to friends.

Conclusion

Scientific experts and users of the therapy are divided about its benefits. However, homeopathy is considered to be safe.

Recommendations

1 You should consult your doctor before using homeopathic remedies.

2 It is vital to consult a registered homeopath before taking a remedy.

3…The instructions on homeopathic products must be read carefully before use.

4. It is essential to understand that symptoms can get worse before they get better.

5 Homeopathic products should be bought from an established outlet, for example a reputable health care store.

6. Homeopathic remedies may alleviate hay fever, coughs and colds, stress and depression.