Cypress College Library
Argumentative Essay Research Guide
This research guide provides a list of resources and strategies that may prove helpful when you need to research suitable topics for an argumentative essay.
The resources covered in this guide include some that are available through the Cypress College Library, and others that are available on the open web. This is only a starting point; for more detailed information come to the library and ask for a consultation at the Reference Desk.
Your research strategy might include some or all of the following:
How do I find an overview or general background information about my topic?
Reference sources are a great place to start a research project. You can use reference sources to find topic summaries, overviews, and bibliographies for further reading on your topic. If you haven't decided on a point of view, an overview will help you focus your research and provide context. Listed below are a few examples of reference works available through the library: Encyclopedia Americana Reference Collection (AE5 .E333, v. 1-30) Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics Reference Collection (BJ63 .E44) Encyclopedia of Bioethics Reference Collection (QH332 .E52) Encyclopedia of Ethics Reference Collection (BJ63 .E45) New Encyclopaedia Britannica Reference Collection (AE5 .E363, v. 1-32) World Book Encyclopedia Reference Collection (AE5 .W55, v. 1-22)
How do I find books about my topic?
Use Cypress College Library's Online Catalog. You can try typing your search words in the text box, setting the search to "Keyword Relevance Search," and clicking the "Search" button (this is called a keyword search). Sometimes this method will bring back too many results, some of which might be irrelevant. In that case, try doing a "Subject" search. You can do a Subject search by typing your terms in the text box and setting the search to "Subject." If you don't get enough results, try using some of the official Library of Congress Subject Headings listed below:
If you're still stuck trying to find and do research on a hot or controversial topic, you might find the following series of books helpful. (Ask a librarian if you need help finding these books.)
How do I find journal, magazine, newspaper, and other types of articles on my topic? You can find full-text articles and biographical information by using these electronic databases:
Θ IMPORTANT NOTE: For remote access to library subscription databases like the ones listed above, you will need access codes. Please come to the reference desk at the library, or call 714-484-7069.
How do I find credible web sources on my topic?
In this section, "web pages" means the "open web"--web sites anyone can access--not web-based research tools like the databases that the library provides. The open web has a lot of great things to offer, but not all the sources found there are appropriate for academic research. How can you determine if the sources you've found are credible? Ask yourself the following questions:
You can try looking for relevant web sites on your own using subject directories like INFOMINE, Open Directory Project, and the Librarians' Internet Index. As well, you can try some of the web sites listed below:
This site offers many topic choices. Click on the topic, a thesis statement is provided and web sites discussing both sides of the issue.
Provides background, arguments, motions, links and readings for over 150 topics; searchable by keyword.
Contains current issues from abortion to social security. Each issue includes background, public opinion and links to resources and sources.
Public Policy Issues and Groups Contains current issues from cloning to youth suicide. Each issues links to internet sites that provide more information.
Provides topics with "on one hand and on the other hand" viewpoints (concept of pros and con).
How do I get more help finding sources for my topic?
If you feel like you need help getting started, finding more detailed materials, or if you have any questions in general, please feel free to come to the library and ask a reference librarian for help. If you have trouble accessing this page and need help, contact a librarian at the reference desk at (714) 484-7069.
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