Welcome to the Library Guide for English 2
Resources for the argumentative essay
How to search for information
Searching "all in one "
Search the "Library Catalog" also called "Quick Search":
This "all-in-one search" includes books, ebooks, videos, articles & more.
Type-in keywords and use the filters on the left side to sort books from articles, videos, etc.
Go to Quick Search
Searching Databases
How to search in the databases:
The recommended databases for this assignment are listed in the box below.
Tips!
- Use "keywords", combine them and try synonyms.
- Select FULL TEXT when available.
- Email the document to yourself for safekeeping.
- Paraphrase, quote, or summarize information and CITE it.
- COPY + CORRECT the citations (go to the Guide or ask a librarian.)
Recommended Databases
These databases are good starters for the argumentative essay.
There are many more in our Databases A-Z page!
- CQ Researcher (Sage) This link opens in a new window
Research overviews of public affairs topics covering social, economic, environmental and technological issues. Funded by FLVC.
- Opposing Viewpoints (Gale) This link opens in a new window
Viewpoint articles, topic overviews, government and organizational statistics, newspaper and magazine articles and more concerning social issues. Funded by FLVC.
- Issues & Controversies (Infobase) This link opens in a new window
Understand today’s crucial issues by exploring hundreds of hot topics in politics, government, business, society, education, and popular culture. Contains thousands of editorials and opinions from renowned newspaper sources and offers in-depth articles presenting both sides of an issue clearly, coherently, and without bias. Funded by SCF.
- Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) This link opens in a new windowGeneral database that includes MOST topics. Includes scholarly journals and other types of sources.
How to cite your sources
Citing
Documenting your research: Avoid plagiarism!
- Always cite the sources you use, even if you "paraphrase" (put it into your own words.)
- If you copy+paste the citation provided in the database's "Citation Tool", check the rules and CORRECT any mistakes.
- When in doubt... ask a librarian!
Link to MLA Guide
How to do an Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
What's an Annotated Bibliography?
Bibliography
Means you make a list of sources of information (articles, books, etc.) about a specific topic, cited in a standard citation style (like MLA) and alphabetized.
Annotated
Means you write a NOTE under each article, book, or item listed, that explains what it is about and how it will be used in the assignment or research essay.
How do I make one?
Gather all your sources (articles, books, websites, etc.) and create their citations in MLA.
You can use the citation tools from the databases, but remember to COPY/PASTE & CORRECT, or check with a librarian.
List the citations in alphabetical order, in a page titled "Annotated Bibliography".
The citations should be indented with a "hanging indentation" and double spaced, with no extra spaces between lines.
Under each citation, write a paragraph that summarizes what's about, explains how it's useful for your topic, what part of the article you are going to use, etc.
Important: Your professor usually gives you directions on what they want you to write in the notes/annotations. Check their instructions!
How to transform your Works Cited to an Annotated Bibliography
Sample of a "Works Cited" page
To transform it into an Annotated Bibliography:
- Change the title from Works Cited to Annotated Bibliography
- Add an "annotation" to each "citation"
(Changes are shown in purple for clarity - The text in your paper would be all black, of course.)
