Skip to Main Content
 

SCFCS: Research for English 2: Getting Started

Resources for the argumentative essay in English 2. Ms. Hammond

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!

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!

Citing Guides

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?

 

Step 1: Get citations

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.

 

Step 2: List your citations

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.

 

Step 3: Write notes

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

Example of a works cited page

 

To transform it into an Annotated Bibliography:

  1. Change the title from Works Cited to Annotated Bibliography
  2. Add an "annotation" to each "citation"

(Changes are shown in purple for clarity - The text in your paper would be all black, of course.) 

 

Ask Us