7  Lesson 5: Source-Grounded Reading

Duration: 2 hours

TipYour Path

You are in: Lesson 5

Before this: Lesson 4

After this: Lesson 6

Workbook page: Student Workbook -> Lesson 5 - Source-Grounded Answer in English

7.1 Start Here

Maria is traveling by plane to visit her family. She bought a low-cost airline ticket because it was the cheapest option.

Maria wants to bring two things:

  1. A small backpack
  2. A carry-on suitcase

Maria asks AI:

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on bag with my ticket?

AI answers:

Yes. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag.

At first, this answer sounds correct. Many students may think Maria can bring both bags. But Maria needs the exact airline policy for her exact ticket.

Today, Maria’s ticket is Basic-ish Blueberry Saver on the fictional airline Tricky Airlines.

Maria stands in an airport with a small backpack, a carry-on suitcase, and an AI chat bubble, showing that her two bags need the exact airline rule.
Maria has two bags, but the AI answer is only a general answer.

7.2 Why This Matters

AI can give a general answer that sounds helpful. But a general answer may miss important details.

For Maria, the important details are:

  • her ticket type
  • the difference between a personal item and a carry-on bag
  • the airline’s exact rules
  • exceptions in the policy
  • what Maria should check next

AI may say what is usually true. Maria needs what is true for her ticket.

TipWrite in the Book

Some exercises in the website version are interactive. You can type your answers directly on the page, and you can copy or download a backup if your teacher asks.

The main task is to write in the book, not to create separate files.

7.3 Today You Will

By the end of this lesson, you will:

  1. Compare a fast AI answer with a source-grounded answer.
  2. Read a fictional airline policy for exact details.
  3. Quote short evidence from the source.
  4. Paraphrase the evidence in simple English.
  5. Practice saying I cannot answer from the provided source.
  6. Complete the matching Student Workbook page.

Theme: AI may give a general answer, but people need the exact source and exact situation.

AI Focus: Source-grounded answers and hallucination awareness.

ESL Focus: Reading for details, paraphrasing, evidence language, and source titles.

Content Objective: Students will answer Maria’s baggage question using only a provided airline policy.

Language Objective: Students will use evidence phrases:

The source says...
According to the policy...
This means...
The source does not say...
Maria should check...

7.4 Core Idea

Sometimes AI gives an answer that sounds correct but is not supported by the exact source. We call this a hallucination when AI invents or guesses information.

A safer way to use AI for reading is to give AI a source and ask it to answer only from that source. If the answer is not in the source, AI should say so.

In simple English:

Do not guess. Use the source.

For Maria, the source is the fictional Tricky Airlines bag policy:

assets/sample-documents/ticky-airlines-bag-policy.html

NoteResearch Note

This classroom routine is informed by work on AI factuality, hallucination, and retrieval/source-grounded generation. In this lesson, we practice a simple version: use the provided source, quote short evidence, and do not guess when the source does not answer (Maynez et al. 2020; Lewis et al. 2020).

7.5 Key Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary Match

Choose the word that matches each meaning and example sentence.

Not saved yet

The original text or informationThe source is the Tricky Airlines policy.
Rules from a company, school, or groupThe policy explains bag rules.
An AI answer that invents or guesses informationA fast AI answer can be a hallucination.
A small item that fits under the seatMaria's backpack may be a personal item.
A bag for the overhead binMaria's suitcase may be a carry-on bag.
A ticket type or price typeBasic-ish is Maria's fare.
Part of the ticket or priceThe policy says one personal item is included.
A special case when the rule changesAn exception may allow a carry-on bag.
Words from the source that support an answerThe sentence in the policy is evidence.
Exact words from a sourceI used a short quote from the policy.
The same idea in your own wordsI paraphrased the carry-on rule.
Not backed up by the sourceThis answer is unsupported.

Policy phrases to notice

Phrase Meaning in this lesson
under the seat The space below the seat in front of Maria.
overhead bin The storage space above airplane seats.
selected short routes Some short flights, not all flights.
booking confirmation The ticket or email that confirms Maria’s trip details.
carry-on included Words that may show Maria can bring an overhead carry-on bag.

7.6 Sentence Frames

Maria's question was __________.
The source title is __________.
The source says __________.
According to the policy, __________.
This means __________.
The source does not say __________.
Maria should check __________.
I cannot answer from the provided source.

7.7 Lesson Agenda

Time Activity Purpose
15 min Warm-up: Mostly True / Mostly False See that confident claims can still need source checking.
10 min Maria’s fast AI answer vote Notice why a general answer sounds correct.
15 min General answer vs. source-grounded answer Learn why the exact source matters.
25 min Guided Tricky Airlines source hunt Find evidence about personal items, carry-ons, and Basic-ish tickets.
20 min Supported and unsupported baggage questions Practice not guessing when the policy does not answer.
20 min Independent practice Write one source-grounded answer for Maria.
15 min Pair speaking, reflection, and exit ticket Explain evidence in English.

7.8 Guided Practice

7.8.1 Warm-Up: Mostly True or Mostly False?

Students choose: Mostly True / Mostly False

Now use the same habit with Maria. The AI answer sounds correct, but we need the exact airline policy.

7.8.2 Maria’s Fast AI Answer

Read the AI answer again:

Yes. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag.

Vote quickly:

Can Maria bring both bags?

A. Yes
B. No
C. I am not sure

Now slow down. Ask:

What words need checking?

Important words:

Word or phrase Why it matters
most airlines Maria is flying one specific airline.
personal item This may mean a small backpack under the seat.
carry-on bag This may mean a suitcase in the overhead bin.
my ticket Maria’s ticket type can change the answer.
Maria compares a general AI answer with an exact Tricky Airlines policy and Basic-ish ticket rule.
A general answer may not match Maria’s exact ticket.

Maria's Fast AI Answer

Write in the book. Your answers save on this device.

Not saved yet

7.8.3 General Answer vs. Source-Grounded Answer

A general answer can be useful, but it is not enough for Maria.

Answer type Example Problem
General answer Most airlines allow one personal item and one carry-on. It may not match Maria’s ticket.
Source-grounded answer According to the Tricky Airlines policy, Basic-ish tickets may include only one personal item on selected short routes. It uses the exact policy.
ImportantMaria’s Reading Rule

Before Maria packs, she should check the exact policy and her exact ticket.

7.8.4 Source-Grounded Prompt

Use this template when you ask AI to help with a source:

Use ONLY the source text below.
If the answer is not in the source, say:
"I cannot answer from the provided source."

Question:
Can Maria bring a small backpack and an overhead carry-on suitcase with a Basic-ish Blueberry Saver ticket?

Source text:
[paste the short policy section]

Answer format:
1. Short answer
2. Evidence from the source
3. What is unclear
4. What Maria should check next
flowchart TD
  Q[Maria's question] --> S[Tricky Airlines policy]
  S --> E["Find<br/>evidence"]
  E --> C{"Answer<br/>there?"}
  C -->|Yes| Q2["Short<br/>quote"]
  Q2 --> P[Paraphrase]
  C -->|No| N["Do not<br/>guess"]
Figure 7.1: A safe routine for source-grounded answers.
NoteSource-Checking Note

For important answers, stop, check the source, look for better coverage, and trace the claim back to evidence (Caulfield 2019).

7.8.5 Guided Source Hunt: Tricky Airlines

Open the fictional source:

assets/sample-documents/ticky-airlines-bag-policy.html

This page is intentionally long and confusing. That is part of the lesson. Your job is not to read every word. Your job is to find the right evidence.

Maria uses a magnifying glass to search a long airline policy for key words such as personal item, carry-on, Basic-ish, and exception.
Students do not read every word. They hunt for the exact evidence.

Look for these sections:

Section What to find
Simple answer: Can I bring a carry-on bag? The difference between a personal item and a carry-on bag.
Basic-ish Blueberry Saver tickets What the cheapest ticket includes or may not include.
Fare comparison chart How Basic-ish is different from other fares.
Personal items: small but powerful What a backpack can be.
Frequently asked questions Maria’s question in policy language.

7.8.6 Personal Item Is Not the Same as Carry-On

In the policy, a small backpack under the seat is usually a personal item. A suitcase for the overhead bin is usually a carry-on bag.

This difference matters because Maria’s cheapest ticket may allow one personal item, but not a standard overhead-bin carry-on.

A backpack fits under an airplane seat as a personal item, while a rolling suitcase goes in the overhead bin as a carry-on bag.
A personal item and a carry-on bag are not the same thing.

Use the source to complete the chart.

Tricky Airlines Source Hunt

Find exact details in the fictional airline policy.

Not saved yet

7.8.7 Ticket Type and Exceptions Matter

Maria bought the cheapest ticket. In the policy, the cheapest ticket is Basic-ish Blueberry Saver.

Maria checks a Basic-ish Blueberry Saver ticket and possible carry-on exceptions such as status, bundle, international route, and carry-on included.
Maria needs to check her ticket and any exceptions before she packs.

The policy says Basic-ish may include one personal item. It may not include a standard carry-on on selected short routes unless Maria has an exception.

Possible exceptions include:

  • a qualifying long international ocean-crossing flight
  • TwinklePlus Elite Status
  • the Bin Maybe Bundle
  • a booking confirmation that says carry-on included

Maria should not guess. She should check her ticket receipt or confirmation.

7.8.8 Supported and Unsupported Baggage Questions

Some questions are supported by the source. Some questions are not.

Question Supported by the source? Good response
Is a small backpack under the seat usually a personal item? Yes The source says a small backpack under the seat is usually a personal item.
Does every ticket include a full-size carry-on? Yes No. The source says some Basic-ish fares do not unless an exception applies.
What is Maria’s booking confirmation number? No I cannot answer from the provided source.
Did Maria buy the Bin Maybe Bundle? No I cannot answer from the provided source.

Now write one supported question and one unsupported question.

Supported and Unsupported Questions

Write one question the policy answers and one it does not answer.

Not saved yet

7.9 Independent Practice

Write directly in this workbook page. It is your Lesson 5 evidence.

Use the Tricky Airlines source and answer Maria’s question:

Can Maria bring a small backpack and an overhead carry-on suitcase with a Basic-ish Blueberry Saver ticket?

Source-Grounded Answer in English

Write Maria's answer from the Tricky Airlines source.

Not saved yet

7.10 Pair Speaking or Presentation Task

Explain your source answer to a partner.

Maria's question was __________.
The source title is __________.
The source says __________.
This means __________.
The source does not say __________.
Maria should check __________.

7.11 Reflection

Reflection

Write three short sentences.

Not saved yet

7.12 Exit Ticket

Show your teacher:

Exit Ticket

Show these four answers to your teacher.

Not saved yet

7.13 Homework

Estimated time: 30-45 minutes.

7.13.1 Homework: My Practical Source-Grounded Question

In Lesson 5, Maria needed an answer from the exact source, not a fast general answer.

Now use the same source-grounded method for one safe practical question from your own life, dream, goal, or current situation. Your question should be useful, but it should not require private information.

Examples:

  • What English class or practice routine can help my goal?
  • What certificate or course requirement should I check for my dream job?
  • What are the basic steps to apply for a public library card?
  • What does this public school, course, or program page say I need next?
  • What public transportation rule or schedule detail affects my plan?

Use a public source or a teacher-provided sample source. Do not use private documents or personal records.

Tasks:

  1. Finish the Lesson 5 - Source-Grounded Answer in English page in the Student Workbook.
  2. Add five source words to Vocabulary Log.
  3. Choose one safe practical question connected to your dream, goal, or current situation.
  4. Choose one public source or teacher-provided sample source.
  5. Find key words in the source.
  6. Write one source-grounded answer with a short quote and paraphrase.
  7. Write one question the source does not answer.
  8. Submit your homework by email or the student portal.

Answer only from the source. If the source does not answer your question, write:

I cannot answer from the provided source.

7.13.2 Student Task

Submit one source-grounded answer.

Your answer must include:

  1. Your practical question Write one safe question about a dream, goal, or current situation.

  2. Your source Give the source title and link or location.

  3. Key words Write 2-4 words you searched for in the source.

  4. Answer, evidence, and paraphrase Write a short answer, one short exact quote, and one paraphrase in your own words.

  5. Unclear information and next check Write what the source does not say, or what you still need to check next.

  6. Unsupported question test Write one question the source does not answer. Then write:

    I cannot answer from the provided source.

7.13.3 Copyable Homework Submission Template

Copy this subject and template. Replace the blanks with your own safe details.

Email or portal subject:

Homework subject

Lesson 5 Homework - My Practical Source-Grounded Question

Source-grounded answer template:

Practical source-grounded question template

My practical question:

My question is: __________.

My source:

Source title: __________.

Source link or location: __________.

Key words I searched:

1. __________

2. __________

3. __________

Source-grounded answer:

Short answer: __________.

Evidence - the source says: "__________."

Paraphrase - this means: __________.

What is unclear: __________.

What I should check next: __________.

Unsupported question test:

One question the source does not answer is: __________.

Correct response: I cannot answer from the provided source.

Why this is safer: __________.

Message template:

Homework message example

Dear Teacher,

Here is my Lesson 5 homework.

My practical question:

My question is: __________.

My source:

Source title: __________.

Source link or location: __________.

Key words I searched:

1. __________

2. __________

3. __________

Source-grounded answer:

Short answer: __________.

Evidence - the source says: "__________."

Paraphrase - this means: __________.

What is unclear: __________.

What I should check next: __________.

Unsupported question test:

One question the source does not answer is: __________.

Correct response: I cannot answer from the provided source.

Why this is safer: __________.

Thank you,

[your first name]

7.13.4 What to Submit

You may draft your homework anywhere. To submit your homework, use email or the student portal. Follow your teacher’s instructions.

Your homework submission must include only:

  • the practical question
  • the source title and link or location
  • the source-grounded answer
  • one short quote
  • one paraphrase
  • what is unclear or what to check next
  • one unsupported question test

What to complete:

  • Student Workbook page: Lesson 5 - Source-Grounded Answer in English
  • updated Vocabulary Log
  • My Practical Source-Grounded Question homework submission by email or student portal

7.13.5 Before You Submit

Check:

  • My question is practical and safe.
  • My source is public or teacher-provided.
  • I did not use private documents or personal records.
  • My answer uses only the source.
  • My quote is short and exact.
  • My paraphrase uses my own simple English.
  • I wrote what is unclear or what I should check next.
  • I included one unsupported question test.

Privacy reminder: Use a real goal or situation if you want, but use only public or teacher-provided sources. Do not paste private documents into AI tools. Do not use real tickets, receipts, passports, IDs, medical papers, immigration papers, school records, financial records, work documents, family documents, or any document with private information.

Optional extension: Open the Lessons 5-6 Source-Grounded Lab with built-in sample sources.

TipOptional Colab Lab

This lab is optional. Use it only if your teacher asks or if you want extra practice. You do not need to complete the lab to finish your portfolio.

Open the Lessons 5-6 Source-Grounded Lab in Colab:

https://colab.research.google.com/github/zoni-group/E4A/blob/public-7e8034967bb3/english-for-ai-course/interactives/class-03-source-grounded-lab.ipynb

Use the built-in safe sample sources only. Do not paste private documents.

The lab uses Colab AI automatically when it is available in the Colab runtime. Colab AI is asked to answer only from the source you load. If Colab AI is not available, the regular lab steps still work, and you can finish your portfolio without AI.

After any AI answer, say: “I checked the AI answer before I used it.”

ImportantRequired Workbook Evidence

Complete this workbook evidence:

Student Workbook -> Lesson 5 - Source-Grounded Answer in English
Homework submission -> My Practical Source-Grounded Question