Argument/Persuasion
An argument or persuasive essay allows you to investigate a topic that is open to discussion and debate
1. Collect, generate, and evaluate evidence
2. Establish a position on the topic
3. Use your most convincing evidence to support your position
Current Conversations
In most cases, you will choose a "hot" topic or current conversation which is being examined in society, debated in the media, or even discussed within your own profession.
What TOPIC are you going to research?
Examples:
A. Sports medicine and concussions
B. Small business management and COVID-19
C. Law enforcement and facial recognition software
Your instructor may ask you to argue a specific POINT-OF-VIEW, such as--
Examples:
Point-of-view C1 - The government can use whatever means necessary to protect the country from terrorists, even if that means using facial recognition software to monitor the movements of private citizens.
Point-of-view C2 - Individual privacy is paramount in a "free" country, so government use of facial recognition software is a violation of human rights.
Your Librarian
1. Locate Resources
Here are some places to EXPLORE "HOT" TOPICS --
(To connect from off-campus, enter your MyPima Username and Password.)
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Original, comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news.
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new windowClick "Issues" to browse a list of today's hottest topics.
- Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new windowClick the "View All Topics" tab to explore current hot issues.
- ProCon.organ independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit - provides free, unbiased information on controversial issues.
- Global Issues500+ articles on social, political, economic and environmental issues with 7,000 links to external articles, web sites, reports and analysis to help provide credence to the arguments made on this web site.
- JURNMillions of free academic articles, chapters and theses an the latest scientific studies !
2. Collect Background Information & Recent News
Use these databases to collect reliable, credible BACKGROUND INFORMATION about your topic
- ProQuest Research Library This link opens in a new window
Research Library is a truly multidisciplinary resource featuring a diversified mix of scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, and other timely sources across the top 150 subject area
- Newspaper Source This link opens in a new window"Provides cover-to-cover full text for hundreds of national (U.S.), international and regional newspapers. In addition, it offers television and radio news transcripts from major networks." -EBSCO
VIDEO TUTORIALS
WATCH THESE SHORT VIDEOS for help using the Hot Topics databases
