This guide is designed to help you explore topics and gather research sources for your persuasive research project. While you have a great deal of flexibility in where you locate sources, Ms. Staples would also like you to try using a research database as a way of sharpening your research skills and locating sources from a wide variety of publications.
The Opposing Viewpoints in Context database is a great option for this project because it not only includes reference, news, and scholarly journal articles, but it also includes “Viewpoints” which are persuasive sources designed to support or oppose certain topics. This balance of source types allows you to research not only the facts of a topic, but also a range of opinions about the topic– both of which can be useful as you craft your own persuasive arguments.
This Future Ed Persuasive Essay Project page contains information about accessing OE online resources, demonstrations of using Opposing Viewpoints in Context database tools, and resources related to the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style guide you will use for formatting your paper and creating your citations.
If you need additional help the library hours are Mon-Friday, 7.30-3.30 and advisory (create an e-hallpass for your advisory teacher to approve) on Mon, Thurs, and Fridays. My email is smcnerneyoe@olatheschools.org and Ms. Staples is mjstaples@olatheschools.org.
Access OE Online Resources
Some of our databases require a password for access. Find a complete list of e-resources and login passwords in the link below. Forgotten the password to open the password list? Come see us in the library or email Ms. McNerney smcnerneyoe@olatheschools.org.
Passwords for OE Electronic Resources
Video tutorial of the passwords page.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
MLA Citations
MLA Formatting— for your overall paper, and your Works Cited pages
MLA Parenthetical (In-text) citations— cite your sources in your paragraphs
MLA Works Cited— how to create a complete list of the resources cited in your paper
Purdue OWL– Purdue University’s great online MLA help site
Olathe East Library 