Chapter 2 summary

Calvin Gurtler
4/9/13
English 102


        In chapter 2 they discuss steps to take in order to properly explore your topic. One of the major ways you can explore your topic is to discuss it with others who have been affected by it, whether through formal interviews or phone calls and emails. Conducting preliminary observations is another good way to explore your topic. The biggest way to explore your topic is through sources whether they are online articles in scholarly journals or books from your local library. There are a few different resources when it comes to searching for sources, news-stands and bookstores, databases, web directories, blogs, forums, web discussions, and wikis. Some of these are can be risky and contain sources of disinformation. In order to stay organized it is suggested that you record your searches made using these resources. It is also suggested that you skim your sources so that you can get a general idea of it and see whether or not it is relevant to your topic. By checking the table of contents, index, glossary, works cited list, and pull quotes you can quickly explore your topic.


       It is important in you research paper to focus on a issue. You can do this by identifying conversations about issues in your topic with repeated concepts, broad themes, and disagreements among sources. You than have to assess you interest in the issues and choose one.