Mr. Derreth's Projects

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Editorial Project--Grade 11


Persuasive Essay Project--Grade 12

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FORMAT YOUR ESSAY
Style and Documentation
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND ARGUMENTS, INFORMATION, OTHER OPINIONS, ETC.

1.  Books-- already pulled for you or find by searching the Van Tech Library CATALOG  ( https://library.vsb.bc.ca/ 
    - Log in using your student number and  password  - go to CATALOG tab )

Use KEY WORDS to find material on your topic.  Be sure to try synonyms, alternative spellings, etc.  For example, ANIMAL RIGHTS, ANIMAL WELFARE, ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION will all yield information if you are interested in the ethical treatment of animals.  Use TRUNCATION whenever possible, e.g. animal* experiment*.

Note:  Our library has many series of books that present both sides of controversial issues.  These books are available for  borrowing.  Please Login to your account.  Then type in the following names in the search bar and then click Series.  You will then see a list of titles in the series.  If you are interested in one of the topics, choose the book and then click, Add to My List.  Because you have logged into the Vancouver Technical Secondary Library catalogue, you can create your own Resource Lists.  Choose the My Info Tab and then Resource Lists.  You should now see the books you have added to your personal resource list.  Now check them out.  
  • Compact Research series
  • Current Controversies series
  • Current Issues series
  • Debating History
  • Hot Topics
  • In Controversy series
  • Issues in Focus series
  • Opposing Viewpoints series


2.  Databases on Van Tech Library HOME page ( https://library.vsb.bc.ca/  - Log in using your student number and       
        password  - go to HOME tab to access databases )


*How to Search in Databases:
  • Consider using * to truncate your search term to the root word - e.g. clon* will search clone, cloning, cloned, etc; wom?n* will search women, woman, woman's, women's.  This works for most databases--but not all!
  • Consider using quotation marks,  e.g. -  "artificial intelligence" to search for phrases
  • Consider using nesting, use of parentheses to specify the order in which search terms are interpreted - e..g.   clon*  and (ethic* and hum*) ;  issue* and ("artificial intelligence" or "AI").  The search will be interpreted
  • Consider using proximity searches - e.g. N5 will find your terms when the occur within five words of each other and W5 will find your terms within 5 words in the order specified.  Example:  clon* N8 (ethic* and hum*)
  • Remember to narrow your search down by searching for Full Text articles only
  • Use drop down menu at top to sort results by: relevance, newest or oldest
  • Consider using Advanced Limiters, often found at the sidebar, to further refine your search , e.g. by date, source type, subject, etc.
  • Use the subject headings and keywords within your hits to further refine your search.
  • Use citations found in your resources to locate additional resources.



3.  Websites

Your goal is to find CREDIBLE articles/arguments.  Use the CRAAP Criteria (Currency, Relevnce, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) to help you decide whether the site you are using is presenting credible information.  Go to the Van Tech Library website ( http://www.vantechlibrary.org/  - HOME page - LIBRARY LINKS - Website Evaluation and Searching Tips) to find videos, websites and a worksheet dealing with finding credible articles.

The following sites usually provide trustworthy information and well-presented arguments: