Pro and Con

Hot topics make for interesting research papers in beginning English classes. The passion on both sides of a subject allow a new researcher to find articles that are readable.

Where do you find authoritative articles and web sites? In GALILEO of course!

Two places quickly come to mind:TOPICsearch at Ebsco and SKS WebSelect.

TOPICsearch at Ebsco is a current events database covering social, political, and economic issues, scientific discoveries, and other popular topics. The database contains full text for over 66,000 articles from more than 2,700 diverse sources including international and regional newspapers, periodicals, biographies, public opinion polls, book reviews, pamphlets, and government information. From the Advanced Search screen, users can select preselected current events and popular topics from drop-down menus.

The drop down lists of topics make it very easy to see what current articles are available.

SKS WebSelect is an online database of Internet resources providing access to quality Web sites on almost any subject. WebSelect is continually updated to include new sites and dynamically changing data. Summaries provide a concise overview of site content and authority. Keyword, Subject Heading, and Topic Browse searches can be performed. Topics are assigned based on site content and mission. WebSelect is dynamically updated and offers Internet resources from around the globe, including those of leading universities, government agencies and respected organizations.

I like how SKS WebSelect is vetted by people. They have a Top Ten : Pro vs Con list on the right side of the page. There is a link to more Leading Issues.

If you'd like to see examples of web sites that will lead you astray- check my collection of Is This Real websites. There are sites on the list with hints and tips for figuring out what is real on the Wild Web.

For clear and reliable information on "hot topics" rely on GALILEO for your foundation of information.