Argumentative & Persuasive Research Database Suggestions
The following database recommendations may help you get started on your writing project that focuses on an argumentative/persuasive writing prompt. These databases typically highlight popular common controversial issues, and may not be applicable for general research. These databases may be helpful if you need to provide varying perspectives on a particular subject or topic.
When you are off campus, you will need to log into each database to access the contents.
Database Login (Username and Passwords) - must be logged in to your @fusdk12.net account to view.
** Creating an Annotated Work Cited draft page may be helpful to keep all your source citations linked and easily accessible. Keep in mind that MLA citations will have a link to the article, while APA citations may not have a link (make sure you copy the links to your articles so you have them readily accessible).
Browse Leading Issues, or use 1-3 keywords (not full sentences) to help navigate to what topic you're researching.
Many topics will provide 2 opposing viewpoints, and offer 3 articles in support or opposition to the topic.
Leading issues will have:
Summary of the topic
Viewpoints of the particular issue with articles to read
Links to more resources
Critical Questions to consider that you may want to outline in your writing project.
Timeline of important events that led to this issue.
Browse by Category to help navigate to what topic you're researching.
After finding the topic of interest, re-type the title into the Search Bar to filter the search results.
Many topics will provide 4 valuable links to your argument:
Overview - a general summary as to why there are opposing viewpoints and a brief history of the debatable topic.
Guide to Critical Analysis - provides specific examples or important facts that may help you begin to organize or formulate opinions about the topic. This may also bring some public opinions or controversy surrounding the topic.
Point - one article written to support the topic
Counterpoint - one article written in opposition of the topic.
Use 1-3 keywords (not full sentences) in your search.
Best used once you have a specific set of keywords for your research, along with a user-friendly interface for retrieving peer-reviewed, scholarly articles.
Filter by:
Online Full Text - this ensures the full article is available to you, and not just the summary or abstract.
Peer-Reviewed - to ensure that you only retrieve scholarly articles that have been vetted by experts.
Date Range - filter to the past 5 years to have articles that are written recently and are applicable.
Use 1-3 keywords (not full sentences) in your search.
Make sure to select "Full Text"
Best used once you have a specific set of keywords for your research. ProQuest Central is a database with a wide selection of peer-reviewed, scholarly articles.
Filter by:
Full Text - this ensures the full article is available to you, and not just the summary or abstract.
Peer-Reviewed - to ensure that you only retrieve scholarly articles that have been vetted by experts.
Publication Date - filter to the past 5 years to have articles that are written recently and are applicable. (ie, 01/01/2017)