Is It OK To Use SparkNotes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Students can use SparkNotes to better understand difficult text that they may not have understood on their own

. In this way it is being used as a supplement to better understand a difficult reading that the student would otherwise not be able to access.”

Who uses SparkNotes?

Thirty-eight out of 63 anonymously surveyed

AP English 12 students

admitted to using Sparknotes in addition to reading the book, and 11 students (18 percent) said they only read Sparknotes. In all, nearly 78 percent of all surveyed used Sparknotes in some form.

Is SparkNotes a credible source?

Basically, a

credible source

is usually either: … There are a range of websites that are written for students that are not credible sources. These include SparkNotes, enotes, CliffsNotes, GradeSaver, LitNotes, Shmoop and NovelGuide.

Do you have to pay for SparkNotes?


SparkNotes does not charge users to use its resources online

, but instead earns revenue from advertising. Barnes & Noble acquired SparkNotes.com in 2001 for approximately $3.5 million.

Are SparkNotes cheating?

While

teachers believe SparkNotes are not only cheating

, but prohibiting students from learning, students generally view SparkNotes as a time management device. SparkNotes are a series of chapter-by-chapter online book summaries and analyses. … Only 9 out of the 100 students polled did not report using SparkNotes.

Is SparkNotes or CliffNotes better?

Both sites provide similar information, ranging from overall plot summaries and character analysis, but

Sparknotes goes more into the literary aspect of the

book, while cliffnotes focuses more on the character and his motives.

What is the point of SparkNotes?

SparkNotes is

a resource you can turn to

when you’re confuzzled. We help you understand books, write papers, and study for tests. We’re clear and concise, but we never leave out important info. As SparkNotes editors, our mission is to help you make sense of confusing schoolwork.

Is using Cliff Notes cheating?

Using CliffsNotes and other study guides

does not constitute cheating

. They’re simply supplements to your text or classroom notes. The only way that they could be considered “cheating” is if in a subject like English a student didn’t read an assigned novel and relied entirely on the CliffsNotes summary.

Is CliffsNotes a good source?



CliffsNotes is one of the most thorough

, one of the most insightful,” Professor Fisher said. “If a student wanted to use it along with the text, it would be worthwhile.” He liked that, for some books, the complete text was included with the study guide on line. But CliffsNotes lost points for some dated writing.

How reliable is eNotes?

If that is the case, then

eNotes certainly qualifies as an excellent and trustworthy source of information

, particularly when compared to conventional Q&A forums that have little to no moderation. Answers at eNotes are provided by working or retired educators who have taught these texts in their classrooms.

What books to read if you like a professor?

A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines. How to Read Literature Like a Professor is a New York Times bestseller by

Thomas C. Foster

that was published in 2003. The author suggests interpretations of themes, concepts, and symbols commonly found in literature.

What is similar to SparkNotes?

  • BookRags.
  • WikiSummaries.
  • JSTOR.
  • Shmoop.
  • PinkMonkey.
  • GradeSaver.
  • Novelguide.
  • LitCharts.

How much is SparkNotes?

How much does it cost? If you cancel your subscription before your 30-day free trial ends, you will not be billed for the app. If you would like to continue using the app, you can choose to be billed either $. 99/month, or

$4.99/year

.

Are lit charts worth?

All of the information offered by the app is actually

free

, and there are no ads, which makes it even more appealing. Overall, LitCharts offers a solid, on-screen experience that can help kids with literature analysis when used appropriately.

Is Sparknotes or shmoop better?

“Shmoop has every single detail,” Julia Schorr ’16 said. Some teachers felt that Shmoop’s analysis was actually superior to points made on Sparknotes. “

Shmoop is a much better resource than Sparknotes

, if it’s used properly,” English teacher Barbara Robbins said. … “But Sparknotes is still the old standby.”

Are Cliff Notes free?

FREE E-NEWSLETTERS

The new site (www.cliffsnotes.com) offers

free online access

to the full-text content of 180 literature guides. Students can download the guides or print them out for the same price as the print editions, $5.99.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.