Deep dive · module 76 of 100
RAG: assessing and citing sources
Ensure answers are traceable to the source.
After this lesson
You ask for citations or references and verify them.
In view · Step by step
A reference must support the claim
Indicate which passage belongs to which assertion.
Locate the passage in the original document.
Check whether conditions and exceptions support the conclusion.
Part 1 of 3 · Answer and source
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
Ask for sources
Have the system indicate which document or passage the answer comes from.
Check the citations
Locate the passage and see if it supports the claim.
When in doubt
Ask to show the original passage.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
A RAG quote must support the concrete claim, including conditions and exceptions.
Fictional practice situationFictitious source A says: visitors are allowed to reserve. Source B adds: youths under 16 need permission. The AI answer only cites A and says everyone can reserve independently.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
The general reservation rule is substantiated, but “everyone independently” goes too far. Add the condition from B and cite both passages with the correct claims. Also preserve the version date of the regulations.
Why this works
A real passage can still be incomplete evidence. Good searching must find the relevant exception along with the main rule.
Make it slightly more difficult
Write an answer that honestly indicates what you cannot yet confirm if source B is missing from the found fragments.
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
A real passage can still be incomplete evidence. Good searching must find the relevant exception along with the main rule.
A step further
Write an answer that honestly indicates what you cannot yet confirm if source B is missing from the found fragments.
Try & discover · no obligation
Become the source checker yourself
Only mark statements that the source does not support. Then check your selection.
Fictitious source: the workshop is Saturday from 10 to 11 o'clock, online. The price and calendar date are not yet known.
Select which sentences you would correct above. The answer remains hidden until you check your selection.
This trial works locally with fictitious data and does not count towards your lesson completion. It starts anew with a new lesson or reload.
A prompt to get you started
Answer the question based only on the provided documents. Mention the source or passage for every point. Question: [question].
Apply it
A RAG answer refers to a document that mentions the topic but does not support the concrete claim.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Consider every document link as sufficient evidence.
- Mark the claim as unconfirmed and search for a suitable source passage.
- Let the model add a suitable citation without source verification.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
Why is citing sources important with RAG?
- So that you can check if the answer matches the source.
- It is not necessary.
- Only for legal texts.
Extra practice
Write a prompt that asks for source attribution in a RAG answer.
“Provide the answer and mention the document and section for each claim.”
