Writing and Research

Evaluating Information:

Let's face it...some of the information you'll find online is, well, CRAP. Use the below information to flush out the good from the bad. 





Currency: is this the most up-to-date information on my topic?
Relevance: does this information relate to my topic?
Authority: is the author qualified to write about this subject?
Accuracy: has this information been fact-checked?
Purpose: is this information objective, or is it biased?


 

Evaluating Information:

CARDS for website evaluation 

 

Use this acronym - CARDS - to help you evaluate websites before you take information from them.  

Note: The greater the number of “Yes’s,” the higher the likelihood that you have chosen a reputable and trustworthy source of information.  

  

C - Credibility: 

  1. Can you find the author/sponsor of the information?  What are their credentials? Education? Experience? Affiliations?  

  1. Can you find an "about us" or "contact us" link?  Does it give more than an email address?  Is there a phone number or associated address? 

A - Accuracy: 

  1. Are there clear and apparent errors on the page (i.e.. spelling, grammar, facts)? This may indicate a lack of control over what content is included and may include inaccuracies or misinformation.  

  1. Do they cite the sources of their information? Are there links to their sources? 

R - Reliability: 

  1. Is the source free from any sense of bias (unless the intent of the writing is to persuade a reader, there should be balanced information focused on factual statements rather than opinions).  

  1. Is the information intended to advertise or promote a product or service? 

D - Date: 

  1. Is it easy to find the copyright date? 

  1. Are there dates for when it was written?  When was it last revised? Could this information be outdated? 

  1. If there are statistics, graphs and/or charts, is it clearly stated when the data was gathered? 

S - Source: 

  1. Is the information based on primary or secondary sources?  

  1. Are there links to other sources that would score high in this CARDS evaluation? 

  

Additionally, recognize and take into consideration the internet address domain. 

  • commercial or business  = .com 

  • educational institutions  = .edu 

  • government agencies  = .gov 

  • military organizations  = .mil 

  • network resources  =  .net 

  • organizations (non-profit and others)  =  .org 

 

Citation Machine: A product of Grammarly!

Grammarly provides access to a free Citation Generator.

This feature is helpful for sources that don't have a citation already made and shared publicly. 



 

Citation Options

There are different styles for citing the sources you use in your assignments. Your instructor will let you know whether to use APA, MLA, or some other style. Here are some introductory guides to these styles from the Purdue Online Writing Lab: 

Our databases provide citations for articles, books, videos (etc.) from the research that you find. Just look for a link that says Cite or Citation, then select the appropriate style. It's easy to copy and paste citations into your bibliography! 

Organizing Ideas

Narrative Essay

Keep in mind...

Key elements of a college-level narrative essay:
  • Compelling story:
    The narrative should be interesting, relatable, and have a clear conflict or turning point that drives the story forward.
     
    Strong thesis statement:
    While not always explicitly stated, the essay should have a central theme or insight that the story illustrates.
     
    Detailed descriptions:
    Vivid imagery and sensory details help the reader feel immersed in the experience.
     
    Character development:
    Even if the focus is on the author, other characters in the story should be well-defined and contribute to the narrative.
     
    Reflection and analysis:
    Beyond simply recounting events, the essay should include thoughtful analysis of the experience and its impact on the author.
     
    Proper structure:
    A clear introduction, body paragraphs with logical progression, and a strong conclusion that ties everything together.
     
    Important considerations:
    • Authenticity: Write from your own genuine experiences and emotions.
    • Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language to vividly portray events and emotions rather than simply stating them.
    • Audience awareness: Consider the expectations of your professor and the academic context when writing.

Argument Essay

Don't forget your Counter-Argument and Rebuttal!



Expository Essay

Topic Ideas

Social and Political Issues:
  • The impact of social media on political discourse
  • The ethics of artificial intelligence in healthcare
  • The effects of climate change on global migration patterns
  • The role of education in addressing economic inequality
  • The debate around gun control legislation in the United States
Science and Technology:
  • The potential of CRISPR technology in gene editing
  • The ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering
  • The impact of automation on the future of work
  • The role of renewable energy sources in combating climate change
  • The challenges and benefits of space exploration
 
Culture and Society:
  • The influence of pop culture on societal values
  • The changing dynamics of family structures in modern society
  • The impact of globalization on cultural diversity
  • The role of art in social commentary
  • The significance of preserving cultural heritage
 
Economic Issues:
  • The economic implications of a universal basic income
  • The impact of globalization on developing economies
  • The causes of income inequality in developed nations
  • The role of government intervention in the market
  • The effects of cryptocurrency on the financial system
 
Healthcare and Medicine:
  • The ethical considerations surrounding organ transplantation
  • The potential of personalized medicine for treatment
  • The challenges of addressing mental health issues
  • The impact of healthcare disparities on marginalized communities
  • The role of preventative medicine in public health
 
Remember to choose a topic that interests you, allows for substantial research, and enables you to present a well-structured argument with evidence to support your claims.

Drop- Off Writing from The ASC

Drop-Off Writing: It's Easy!

Looking for a quick, convenient way to have your assignment checked for grammar, sentence structure, citations, formating, or general editing? 

It's as EASY as uploading your paper through this link: 
 
 

Drop-Off Writing: It's Easy!

Looking for a way to upload your paper for a tutor to review? Maybe you have a few sentences to start, and would like some guidance on adding more! 
Consider using our NEW!* drop-off writing service for any of your assignments. 

All things Writing Help

The Academic Support Center offers many ways to support your writing. 
From the research process to the final draft, consider using one our writing assistance options. 
Whether it's a discussion post or a persuasive speech, we can help!

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