ENGL 101 English Composition 1 (Ho)

Reference Databases

Finding Background Information

Find Background Information on your topic in library reference (academic encyclopedias) databases.

Sample Encyclopedia from Gale Ebooks  

Need statistics or in-depth content?

Another great reference source for background information is the Information Plus Reference Series. The topic range is extensive, from Animal Rights to Water: a Global Perspective. 

Need arguments and counter arguments?

Asking the right questions

Ask Clarifying Questions

Find background information on your current topics in library databases. When searching, be sure to ask yourself these questions!

Who: Who does this impact? Who is involved?

What: What are the key issues? 

When: When is this an issue? What is its context & history? 

Where: Where is this an issue?

Why: Why is this occurring? Why does it matter?

How: How is it currently being addressed? How can it be changed?