High School Be A

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Mariana Flores

Abilene Christian University

ENGO 112 - Composition and Literature

October 19, 2024

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As for my previous experiences with researched writing in high school and college I would have to say I have quite a few. writing research papers can be a intimidating task, but finding and evaluating sources is a crucial part of the process. This essay will discuss methods and sources Ive used that can help to determine credibility, and the steps to decide which sources to use. Additionally, it will cover how to write an annotation, the importance of citations, and my personal experiences with using sources and citations in a school library. One of the best ways to locate sources is by using academic databases such as PubMed or Google Scholar. These platforms provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and journals. For instance, when I was once working on a paper about climate change, I used Google Scholar to find peer-reviewed articles. Additionally, Abilene provides us with an online library that is an excellent resource. I often use the website to find research. It is know that Determining the credibility of a source is essential. A credible source typically has an author with expertise in the field, such as advanced degrees or professional experience. For example, when researching for my history paper, I found a book written by a university professor with a Ph.D. in History. This made me confident in the source’s reliability. It's also important to check the publication date to ensure the information is up-to-date, especially for scientific topics. Peer-reviewed sources are particularly trustworthy because they have been evaluated by other experts in the field.

Deciding which sources to use involves evaluating their relevance and depth. Sources that are directly related to your topic and provide detailed information are more useful. For example, 3

while writing a paper on renewable energy, I found an article that extensively covered solar power technology. In contrast, I discarded a general article about energy because it lacked specific details. Reliable sources must also be unbiased; they should present information objectively without promoting a particular agenda. Writing an annotation involves summarizing the main points of a source and explaining its relevance to your research. An annotation typically includes the source’s main argument, the evidence used, and how it contributes to your topic. For instance, in my annotated bibliography for a literature review, I included a summary of each article’s findings and explained how they supported my thesis. This process helps in organizing your research and ensures that you understand each source’s contribution to your work. Citations are important to have in good writing as they give credit to the original authors and allow readers to verify your sources. Proper citation prevents plagiarism, which is the unethical practice of using someone else’s work without acknowledgment. In my past research writing essays I cited every source I used in APA format. This not only gave credit to the original authors but also helped strengthened my paper by showing that my arguments were supported by credible research.

My personal experience with using sources and citations has been positive, largely due to the resources available through my school library. The library provides access to various databases and has knowledgeable staff who assist with finding and evaluating sources. I remember one particular instance when I was struggling to find primary sources for a history project. The librarian introduced me to a database of historical documents, which became a valuable resource for my

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paper. Additionally, attending workshops on citation styles organized by the library helped me understand the importance of proper citation and how to do it correctly. In conclusion, finding and evaluating sources is a fundamental skill in high school research. Using academic databases, determining the credibility of sources, and writing annotations are essential steps in this process. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors. My experiences in the school library have been instrumental in developing these skills, and I have learned the importance of using reliable sources to support my academic work. By practicing these techniques, you can produce well researched, credible, and ethically papers.

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