This assignment is based on the research you are doing for your Argumentation/Research essay. In that assignment you are required to use 6 sources of information, which you will include in a bibliography. Your task will be to locate six sources of information, than compare and contrast them to determine which two are the best sources for your argumentation essay.

Objectives: Understand the difference between traditional sources, such as periodicals, and web sources. Learn the tools to conduct research, including periodical indexes and web search engines. Learn to use criteria to critically evaluate sources of information. Produce a successful piece of writing that compares and contrasts two or more information sources, making an effective argument regarding the quality of the sources, based on the criteria. Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate a source of information for credibility and relevance.

• Essay must be at least 1000 words, word processed, and double spaced.
• Attach a copy of the first page of each of the sixsources to your essay.
• Turn in a source evaluation worksheet for each source.

Step 1: Define Your Topic

Write a tentative thesis statement. Determine what type of information you need to prove your argument. Keep in mind that you have to be familair with (and present) both sides of the issue in your essay. Brainstorm keywords and synonyms for your topic.

Step 2: Locate 3 Periodical Articles

Using one of the library periodical databases under Find Articles on the library home page, find two articles on the topic.  Use the keywords and terms you established in step one. Do not simply select the first articles on the list of hits, but rather find three that you believe would be specifically useful as sources for writing a paper that addresses your thesis.

Step 3: Locate 3 Web Pages

Once you’ve selected good periodical articles, go to any search engine (e.g. Google, AltaVista) and search for three web pages on the same topic as the articles. Again, your objective is to select web pages that provide substantial information, enough to represent provide useable material for the topic, and pages that addresses the same topic or the same aspect of the topic as your periodical articles.

Step 4: Evaluate and Compare the Sources

Using the criteria checklist you have been given, examine each source and evaluate it based on the criteria. Once you've completed a checklist for each source, compare them and make an informed decision as to which 2 out of the 6 are the best sources for the purpose of providing relevant and appropriate information for your research essay.

Step 5: Write the Essay Making an Argument that Justifies Your Choice of the Two Best Sources

• The comparison/contrast must rest on a clear and definite basis which is best expressed in the thesis. Be sure to establish the criteria/points for your comparison.
• The comparison/contrast must show likenesses and/or differences in order to make a point.
• The comparison/contrast must be supported and clarified through examples.
• The comparison/contrast must follow either a block or point by point pattern. The key is to be consistent with the pattern of development.

Introduction should include:

1. Description of your argumentation topic and the issues involved.
2. Description of the process by which you did your research: what questions did you need to answer in order to write the essay; what terms did you use; which indexes did you use; which search engine(s) did you use; what kind of results did you get?
3. The criteria you will be using to compare/contrast.
4. Include your thesis statement. Example: After reviewing six potential sources of information for an argument concerning the constitutionality of a ban on gay marriage, it's clear that the article by Smith and the Web page from the group Rights for Gays provide the highest quality information because...

Body should include:

1. Coverage of each of the criteria used in evaluating the sources for each source
2. A conclusion as to which sources do or do not meet the criteria
3. Specific examples from each source of how it does or does not meet the criteria

Conclusion should include:

1. A reassertion of the thesis, i.e. which sources are the most scholarly, credible, useful, appropriate, indepth, etc. for your topic.
2. A round up of what you discovered and learned in the process of carefully comparing and contrasting these sources.

This is a formal, academic essay. The use of "you" is not allowed.  Please avoid using "I" as well.

Transitional words for comparing and contrasting: