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English 100 - Professor Walsh - FALL 2024: Your
Assignment

Your ENG100 Research Guide

Hello From Your Librarian!

This research guide was created for Professor Walsh's ENG 100 class to help you with your research assignments. It lists library resources you can use to get reliable information on the topic you've chosen to write about. The guide will be available all semester in your Canvas course and on the library website under Research Guides > Featured Guides. If you have any questions, the librarians are here to help. Chat, call, or email any time.

Getting Reliable Information for Your College Classes

College Level Research

What You Need to Know

Understanding Your Assignment

Before you begin looking for information you should make sure you understand your assignment. Some good questions are:

  • How many pages?
  • How many sources?
  • What kinds of sources?
    • Books
    • Articles
    • Websites
  • What format?

Your professor is your best resource to answer these questions.

image of student with her hand raised

Your Assignment - Spring 2022

A+ Research paper RESEARCH PAPER REQUIREMENTS

 

Purpose

  • This is a paper for which you research a subject, small in scope, and then write a report, analyzing and evaluating the subject. Your style must be objective, not subjective; your sources must be balanced (not just one perspective); and your information must be professional in nature.

Length

  • 2200 words, approximately 9 pages, plus an illustration placed within the paper. (under 2000 is failing)

Topic

  • One which allows for analysis and evaluation of an area in which current studies are being conducted and which has significance for the conduct, thought, or actions of mankind.

Thesis

  • One in which you state the approach to and the area of study.  The thesis must not be an argument.

Subtopics

  • Use 3 of approximately equal length.  Each one should examine the major areas of your paper.

Approach

  • Examine the topic in an unbiased manner.  Your purpose is not to “take sides.”

Sources

  • Ten professional sources are required.  They include at least two books, two database articles, and two websites. The remaining four are up to you.

Documentation within paper

  • Information presented in your own words:  citation of author’s last name or title, plus page number, at end of paragraph.
  • Information presented as direct quotations: citation of author’s last name or title, plus page number, at end of quotation

Writing Style

  • Formal research style: 3rd person, no slang, no contractions.

Paragraph Length:

  • One-third to one-half page

Illustration: 

  • Placement within body of paper, one-eighth to one-page, with a number (figure 1) and a title.  Use copies of pictures, charts, graphs, or lists.

Examples’ Length: 

  • When using examples to illustrate a point, use no more than one paragraph for each.

 

Now What?

Use the tabs above on this Research Guide or see if there's a Research Guide that's specific to your topic to find useful resources such as databases, books, ebooks, and articles.

 

 

 

 

What Do You Know?

You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to write an intelligent research paper and/or make a good argument. 

Ask yourself:

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

Reference resources help you find out more!

Library Research Guides lead you to the best resources to use when searching for information on your topic.

Always check to see if there's a Research Guide on your topic.

Talk to a Librarian

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

Cerritos College Library | 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 | 562-860-2451 | Reference ext 2425 | Circulation ext 2424