English 10 - Controversies Argumentative Essay
Databases
For controversial topics, the databases Opposing Viewpoints (password empirelink) and ABC-CLIO Controversies (password solvayhs) will be your best friends. Both of these databases have extensive information about many controversial topics, and their goal is to present all viewpoints so that you can get a well-balanced sense of the facts about an issue.
Once you have some background on your topic, you might need more information.
You may find other databases like Gale and Proquest useful as well.
http://shsllc.weebly.com/library-databases.html
Books
Books can be excellent sources when you are researching controversies. However, pay attention to the type of book you select. There are reference books which are designed to help students understand a topic, which are generally relatively unbiased. If you choose a book that was published for the general public though, it may be trying to convince you of something. That is not a bad thing - you can still use a biased book for facts, as long as you recognize the bias and fact-check the information with other sources.
Here's an example:
Websites
Click here for the Web Evaluation presentation
Citations
Use the worksheet you were given to keep track of the citation information you will need as you go along.
You may use easybib.com, Noodle Tools, or any other research tool you are comfortable with.
For an overview of MLA Citations, use this handy guide: http://hub.miracosta.edu/Library/LibGuides/Documents/MLA_Citation_Worksheet.pdf
If you're citing something unusual (like a trial transcript or historical footage) take a look at Purdue's Online Writing Lab
Click here for the Web Evaluation presentation
Citations
Use the worksheet you were given to keep track of the citation information you will need as you go along.
You may use easybib.com, Noodle Tools, or any other research tool you are comfortable with.
For an overview of MLA Citations, use this handy guide: http://hub.miracosta.edu/Library/LibGuides/Documents/MLA_Citation_Worksheet.pdf
If you're citing something unusual (like a trial transcript or historical footage) take a look at Purdue's Online Writing Lab