Finding a Topic: databases
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowCQ Researcher provides award winning in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. Our reports are written by experienced journalists, footnoted and professionally fact-checked. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research. Graphics, photos and short "sidebar" features round out the reports.
- Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Opposing Viewpoints collects articles and argumentative essays on a wide variety of current topics and controversial issues. This can be a great source to consult for any contested issue in the sciences, such as global warming or stem cell research.
- Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
Integrating news, global viewpoints, reference materials, country information, primary source documents, videos, statistics, and more in a single searchGlobal Issues In Context is updated daily and offers 250 different country topic pages and more than 400 Issue pages. Exclusive to Global Issues In Context, Global Issues Viewpoints contains more than 3,000 exclusive commentaries that provide background and guidance on significant topics.
Forming a Research Question
- What are you arguing?
Solution
Cause/Effect
Evaluation
- These are typically HOW questions
How will recycling effect climate change?
In what ways do cars contribute to climate change?
How will rising sea levels impact animal life?
Keyword Brainstorm
What do you know about your topic? LIST IT ALL.
Then, using Credo Reference or the "in context" databases, read ABOUT your issue and pull out key words including:
- important people
- laws, acts, legislation
- dates
- events
- the language of the issue (also called "jargon")