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Persuasive/Argumentative Essays, Research Papers, and Speeches

Guide Overview

This guide was developed to assist you with the process of finding essential resources to support a persuasive or argumentative essay, research paper, or speech.

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How to Do Research for a Persuasive Essay/Paper


STEP 1.   Select a topic. Decide what aspect of the topic you want to specifically focus on and write your research question and/or thesis statement.

STEP 2.   Build a search strategy. Select keywords to use to look for books, e-books, articles.

STEP 3.   Find background/overview information about the issues associated with your topic.

STEP 4.   Explore different viewpoints/sides of the issue. Find examples to support your opinion and to counter the opposing viewpoint.

STEP 5.   Explore other sources of information: primary sources, websites, video.

STEP 6.   Cite your sources and avoid plagiarism.

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