Organic vs. Genetically Modified Food: Understand
Your Topic

You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to make a good argument. 

Ask yourself:

• What do I know?
• What can I find out?

Reference resources help you find out more!

• Look up your keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias. 

• Read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research.

• Note relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles.

• Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings.

Reference Sources  

Once you have chosen a topic for your paper, use general reference sources to get background information on your topic. Reference books such as the encyclopedias, dictionaries and handbooks, and the current issue titles are a good starting point for your research because they help you become better acquainted with your topic.

See the lists below for some selected reference sources available online and in print. Ask a librarian if you need help finding more resources.

Online reference resources require login for off-campus use.  Enter your Cerritos College login when prompted.  For more login information see the Database Login page.

Here are some of the library's online reference resources which can help you get some background information on your topic.  These resources are available on and off campus.

Although you probably started with only a broad idea of what you wanted to write about, after testing your topic and doing background reading you should be able to narrow your focus and write your thesis statement. Here are two examples of narrowing a broad topic to come up with a thesis statement:

Organic Food

• Organic foods offer benefits.
  • Orgainc foods are healthier for the consumer.
    
    • Organic foods promote health and longevity since they are grown in a strict natural environment that is free from cancer causing agents such as pesticides.

Genetically Modified Foods

• Genetically Modified Food has a role in world hunger.
  • Genetically Modified Food can increase and improve the world's food supply.
    • Genetically modified foods can help feed third world nations by providing drought resisistant crops that have been nutritionally enhanced using the technology.