|
1.
Select a Topic
2.
Find Background Information
3.
Identify Search Terms
4.
Know What Types of Sources You Need to Find
5.
Search for Sources of Information
6.
Evaluate Your Sources
7.
Cite Your Sources |
Choose an engaging topic that you
will enjoy researching and writing about. For topic ideas,
- Search a library database called SIRS Issues
Researcher. The database offers useful links, including
"Leading Issues" and "Browse Topics." From the library's
homepage, follow this path to access SIRS Issues Researcher:
1. Click on "Articles & Databases"
2. Click on "General Databases"
3. Click on "Sirs Researcher"
4. Look at the topics listed under "Leading Issues" and click
on a topic to view a host of useful information including
subtopics and full text periodical articles related
to the topic.
- Browse through the library's books series on controversial
topics:
| Pro & Con
Book Series |
Topical Overview
Series |
Current Controversies |
Contemporary World Issues |
Opposing Viewpoints |
Information Plus |
| Taking Sides |
Lucent Overview Series |
These series are very popular with English 1301 students.
Each book in these series covers a single broad topic
(like mass media) and provides pro and con essays or
overview information on subissues related to the topic.
Follow these steps to view all of the
titles in any one series:
1. From the library's home page click
on "Books, DVD's & More "
2. Click on "Blinn Library Catalog"
3. In the Keyword Search box type in the title of the series (example: Opposing Viewpoints) and a keyword or words from your research topic (example: global warming)
- Browse through news magazines like Time or
Newsweek, and newspapers like The New York
Times, The Wall Street Journal and The
Washington Post. You will find these publications
in the periodicals section of the library.
- Watch news programs on PBS such as Now and Frontline
-
Visit the University
Writing Center at the University of Central Florida
to peruse a list of research paper and argument topics
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