| 📝 English Composition Writing FAQ | 1101 • 1102 • 📖 |
Support Your Argument with Research
The best support when writing a college essay is gained through researching secondary sources. A secondary source is a document or material that provides information about a topic but does not originate from the topic itself. Instead, it is created by someone who is referencing, analyzing, or commenting on the primary source, which is the original source of the information. Examples of secondary sources include textbooks, biographies, encyclopedias (including Wikipedia), review articles, and other materials that synthesize, interpret, or analyze information from primary sources. Secondary sources can be valuable resources in research and essay writing, as they can provide context, analysis, and multiple perspectives on a topic.
When researching to support your argument, it’s important to ensure that the evidence is relevant, credible, and properly cited. You should also use a variety of evidence types to provide a well-rounded and compelling case for your argument.
The best place to get evidence to support your argument will depend on the specific topic and context of your essay. However, here are some general sources to consider:
- Academic research articles: Academic journals are perhaps the best source of information and can provide you with the latest research and data on your topic.
- Books: Books can provide in-depth analysis and perspective on a topic and are often written by experts in the field. Consider books published by university presses before those by more popular publishing houses.
- Government publications: Government reports and statistics can provide objective data and information on a wide range of topics.
- Expert interviews: Interviewing experts in your field or related fields can provide firsthand insights and perspectives on your topic. Also, published interviews in periodicals and books are also strong sources.
- Online databases: Online databases, such as JSTOR or ProQuest, can provide access to a wide range of full-text academic articles and research studies. These are often available through your university library.
- Reliable websites: Websites such as those run by reputable organizations or academic institutions can provide credible information and data.
When using evidence to support your argument, ensure that the evidence is relevant, credible, and properly cited. Evaluate your sources carefully and choose the most reliable and relevant ones for your argument.
Note: In general, reference sources, like dictionaries and encyclopedias, may be consulted but should not be cited in academic writing, as they often provide general information that can be found elsewhere and may not have undergone the same level of rigorous scrutiny and review as other academic sources. Use sources like Wikipedia to get an overview of the topic and consult the secondary sources the article lists in its bibliography.
| Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-5-2023; Version: Beta 0.7 | 💬 |
