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Hot Topics and Current Issues
Is your topic about a controversial issue or something in the news. Try one of our Hot Topic databases. They have articles, topic summaries, as well as links to related newspaper articles and multimedia.
Controversial Issues
Writing an argumentative paper on a controversial issue requires that both sides of an issue be examined, needing the researcher to take a position on one side or the other. In addition, you must defend your position against opposing points of views. Your argumentative paper, therefore will involve argument and persuasion.
Your research for a persuasive essay will involve one or more of the following:
- Choosing a controversial issue that interests you, based on your instructions in the assignment
- Locating reference sources to provide background information on your topic
- Locating journal or magazine articles according to the time periods specified in your assignment
- Locating websites specifically aimed at your topic
- Citing your sources in MLA or APA style
- Preparing an Annotated Bibliography
General Reference Resources
Begin your research by seeking some general background information about your topic using reference resources.
- Encyclopedia Britannica Online This link opens in a new windowA general knowledge English-language encyclopedia.
- Gale Virtual Reference Library (formerly Gale ebooks) This link opens in a new window