Crafting an effective argument involves defending or refuting a thesis, which requires choosing a topic open to multiple perspectives. Research is crucial in developing a well-supported claim, often necessitating the use of primary and secondary sources found in libraries and other research facilities.
"The purpose of an argument is to defend or refute a thesis, so choose a topic that can be seen from more than one perspective" (395).
Types of Databases
"By firsthand we mean information taken directly from the original source, including field research (interviews, surveys, personal observations, or experiments)" (398).
Rottenberg, T. and Donna H. Winchell. Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader. New York: St. Martina's, 2012. Print.
"Most papers will benefit from research in the library and elsewhere because development of the claim requires facts, examples, statistics, and informed opinions that are available only from primary and secondary research sources" (396).
