Help Topics
How do I choose a topic for my paper?
- Read your assignment carefully so you know what your teacher is asking you to do.
- Try to find a topic that interests you. Start with a general subject and look it up in a general encyclopedia.
- The library has 3 sets of print encyclopedias and subscribes to Britannica Online. You may use Wikipedia for ideas, but be careful; you cannot include it in your bibliography.
- Try stating your topic as a question. Look at Indiana University’s guide on formulating a thesis statement.
How do I start my research?
- Once you have narrowed your topic, you should compile a list of synonyms and related terms to guide your research. Write down anything and everything you think might be relevant. The library has a thesaurus in Reference and an online thesaurus in the Oxford Reference Database. Your teacher or librarian can provide additional terms if you get stuck.
- Consider using a RAD form to help you take notes, apply what you've learned, and keep track of bibliographic information.
What is a primary source?
- A primary source is an observer ‘s or participant ‘s recording of an event or experience
- Primary sources can be diaries, news stories, photographs, letters or other communications, creative works, experiments, or financial documents
- Ideally, the record is produced soon after the event or experience
How do I locate primary sources?
- You can first try the Upper School Library link to a pre-selected list of American and European history primary source sites.
- Also check your class project page (if there is one) for suggestions.
- When using a search engine, such as Google or Clusty,include the words “primary source” in quotations as part of your search string.
- Internet sites should include the citation for the original source.
How do I evaluate a web source?
- CWA uses a Web Site Evalution Form (Tarrier Apps) or Web Site Evaluation Questionnaire (pdf) to guide students in determining the reliability of a “free web” site.
- The items requested in the Checklist: URL; author; evidence of bias; and other indicators of quality are described in more detail on this University of California Teaching Library evaluation site.
- For more guidance, see the Middle School resource.
- Pay attention to Ms. Harris’s advice, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
