ENGL 097 English Express (Frye)

Finding Opinions in Contemporary Issues Databases

If you start to explore the arguments connected to your position on your topic using a controversial issues database like CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints in Context, be aware of how these tools organize their information:

  1. Content is organized around the general issue, and views are shown within the report/section
  2. Overview / Background / Reference information will be less biased and more aimed at showing the scope of the issue.
  3. Viewpoints or Pro/Cons will give you samples of specific arguments for or against more focused aspects of the issue.

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CQ Researcher Pro/Con sample

Finding Editorials / Opinions in News & Magazines

How to build a search to find opinion

To build a search for opinion in article databases, try these tips:

  1. Enter more than one keyword or keyword phrase in your search - try to focus your topic.
  2. Check Full Text to see articles where you can access and read the entire article's text online.
  3. Select Magazine and Newspaper under "Source Type" to see articles from these types of publications.
  4. Select Document Types known to have opinion. 
    • Some examples:
      • Commentary
      • Editorial
      • Feature 
      • Front Page/Cover Story
      • Interview

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ProQuest opinion in news publications search options

Websites

Pew Research Center

Covers public opinion

screenshot of an article


The Atlantic

Covers U.S. society, education, social issues

Rolling Stone

Covers Music, Popular Culture, Celebrities

TED Talks

video lectures on various science, society, art topics