Understanding Your Assignment
Before you begin looking for information you should make sure you understand your assignment. Some good questions are:
Your professor is your best resource to answer these questions.
Writing an argumenative paper on a controversial issue requires that you look at both sides of an issue and take a position on one side or the other. You not only take a stand on an issue, but you must defend it against opposing points of view. Therefore, your argumentative research paper will involve advocacy and persuasion.
What to do:
Breaking Down The Research Process
The following outline gives a simple and effective strategy for finding information for a research paper and documenting the sources you find. Depending on your topic and your familiarity with the library, you may need to rearrange or recycle these steps. Adapt this outline to your needs. We are ready to help you at every step in your research.
Course Text: "They Say, I Say" by Gerald Graff, et al.
Context: Many recent college graduates have faced record levels of unemployment. This situation has led people to question what they value about higher education. Some high school students and their parents are wondering if a college education is worth the cost. Others, however, believe that a college education prepares students for more than just a job or career.
Writing Task: Carefully research the benefits and drawbacks of a college education. Citing at least six sources, write an essay that argues whether or not the cost of college is worth it.
Sources: Use six sources total but you may select three from the course text. You need three more from other sources such as the library dtabases on this guide.
Need Help 
The Cerritos College Librarians can help you with your research in a variety of ways:
Librarians are available during library hours to answer your questions by phone or chat.
(562) 860-2451 x2425