Presentation subhead CM223 Unit 4 EVALUATING EVIDENCE & FINDING A FOCUS

Contact Information Virginia Wells IM: Tues. 11 AM and Wed. 11 AM Phone (for calling or texting)

UNIT 4 SEMINAR AGENDA Welcome to our fourth seminar. In this session, we will address the following: Unit 4 project overview Types of resources Evaluating resources Finding a focus/thesis Workshop: Thesis Practice

UNIT 4 Research Sources The types of sources that you can use in your papers are virtually endless, but it is important to distinguish between sources that are physical (i.e., available in a “hard” format) and those that are electronic (i.e., accessible through the Internet). As a responsible scholar, you must assess sources and determine which ones are the most appropriate and reliable for your topic and assignment.

UNIT 4 Research Sources Physical Vs. Electronic The first step toward evaluating sources is understanding the type of source you are accessing.

Types of Sources  Websites (.org,.gov,.edu)  Databases  eBooks and “academic” articles  Magazines  Peer reviewed sources  Physical sources (hardcopy)

TYPES OF SOURCES

EVALUATING SOURCES In addition to the reading for this unit, there are other ways to consider what is or is not a viable source for your writing. What do you look for in a reputable source?

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is a central idea that requires supporting evidence

Characteristics of a good thesis 1. It tells the reader what point will be made in the essay and often what the paragraphs will be about (plan of development). 2. It is specific 3. It is not a fact. 4. It can be argued.

Thesis Statement How do you begin? Start by finding your topic. State your position on the topic. Offer reasons why

Which is best? Social workers in Metropolis leave much to be desired. Or The social service system in Metropolis has broken down because today’s workers are underpaid, poorly trained, and overworked.

Example Thesis statement: The social service system in Metropolis has broken down because today’s workers are underpaid, poorly trained, and overworked. Topic: The social system in Metropolis Position: has broken down Reasons: because today’s workers are underpaid, poorly trained, and overworked.

Writing Good Paragraphs Remember: Paragraph structure is similar to essay structure.

What’s the Difference Anyway? 1. (Transitional sentence) (with) topic sentence 2. At least three supporting details 3. Concluding or transitional sentence 1.Introduction with thesis statement 2. Body with at least three supporting details 3. Conclusion ParagraphEssay

WORKSHOP: NARROWING YOUR FOCUS The best way to learn about focusing a topic is to practice. As a group, we will explore one of the following and talk about ways we can narrow our topic and distill that into a one or two sentence statement.  Gender Issues in Criminal Justice  Terrorism and Border Control  Criminal Justice and Technology

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