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Introduction to College Writing Argumentative Essay Research

Use this guide to help gather and understand information you'll need to write an essay on your chosen conspiracy theory.

 

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic secrets of the world and they that dwell therein."

Zora Neale Hurston, Dust Tracks on a Road

Welcome! Use this guide to get started on your research.

This page explains what research is like (and why it can be challenging!). The rest of the guide (use the tabs on the left to navigate) offers information about some recommended resources for finding information for an argumentative essay. Some of these resources are subscriptions paid for by your library, so there are special instructions for accessing them. Also on this guide, you'll find some additional resources and tools for evaluating sources (an important part of good research!).

What research is like...

Contact a librarian for individualized assistance.

If you'd like additional help or more specific assistance, reach out to a Student Learning Librarian. Your Student Learning Librarians (Ellen and Linda) are happy to help with all kinds of research. We can help with:

  • ​Choosing search terms
  • Suggesting useful tools for your research
  • Filling "gaps" in your research
  • Tracking down full text articles or citations
  • Requesting materials from other libraries
  • and more!

Reach out to us in any of the following ways:

Email us at library@westerntc.edu

Fill out the Ask a Librarian form on our website.


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