Library Guides:
Information Resources for Persuasive Papers or Speeches

Developed by Connie Fly, Librarian

The address of this page is:  http://www.cos.edu/library/persuasive.htm

Return to Speech 1 Library Guide at http://cos.edu/library/speech1.htm

Citing Sources:

1. "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association"  - Call # 808.06616 P976 - On reserve at 1st floor circulation desk.

2. "MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers", 6th ed., - Call # R 808.027 G437 - Located in Reference Collection - 1st floor

3.  MLA or APA Style on the Web at: http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citation.htm

Finding a Topic

• COS Library Guide:  Hot/Controversial/Current Topics - This page provides links to many web sites that can be useful in helping you pick a topic to research as well as finding current information on subjects that are in the news or considered controversial.
• CQ Researcher  - A database that provides good information on the most current and controversial issues of the day with complete summaries, the pros and cons, bibliographies and more.  
• Opposing Viewpoints - is a series of books designed to present both sides of an issue. Each volume consists of material drawn from books, magazines, newspapers, and position papers. FOR and AGAINST articles are placed back to back in sections outlining a particular aspect of the main topic. You must check the index at the front of the volume to see which section best suits your topic. Since call numbers vary, search for the KEYWORDS Opposing Viewpoints in the COS Online Book Catalog for selections and location.
• Reference Shelf - is a series of books designed to show different viewpoints of the same subject. Contained in each section are magazine articles, a bibliography, and a suggested reading list. Search for the KEYWORDS Reference Shelf in the COS Online Book Catalog for selections and location.  In addition it publishes a series called Representative Speeches of the Day.  These speeches reflect the ongoing dialogue of American citizens over the central question of what kind of nation the United States is to become.  The COS Library has these annual volumes from 1941 to 1998.  The call # is 815 R425.
• Speech Ideas  - by Linda  Cooley, COS Instructor
• Yahoo:  Issues and Causes Page - Links to a wide variety of specific issues.

Magazines and Newspapers

Internet Sites

The Internet may provide additional information on current and controversial topics. Some specific sites that can be useful are:

• College of the Sequoias Web Site - This lists links to various web sites that discuss hot or current topics.
• Alternative Viewpoints on the Internet - Provides links to hundreds of web sites that reflect a wide variety of social and political thinking.  The list is compiled by the Alternative Press Center.
• Yahoo Directory:  Issues and Causes - An alphabetical list of links on the web to controversial topics.
• Return to Speech 1 Library Guide

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This page was last updated: November 13, 2006
For questions and comments, please mail to:connief@cos.edu