This is an informative paper, not a persuasive paper; so strive for objectivity in your presentation. An informative research paper is like teaching. The purpose of an informative speech is to try to teach something to the audience. The success of your speech depends on whether the audience learns what you wanted to teach them. You need to tell the audience why the information is useful and valuable. You need to make sure that the audience understands and remembers the essential information.

Remember that you don't need to take an extreme view on a topic. Assemble your evidence and decide where you fit on the the whole range of opinions on the issue between two extremes. Another way to focus is to decide whether you are going to take a whole policy issue or just take a part of it by focusing on a question of fact or a question of value. Example of different ways to focus the topic of household pets:

Informative: Animal shelters routinely euthanize cats which are not readily placed in homes.

Persuasive value: Spaying and neutering of domestic cats is humane.

Persuasive policy: The state should require that domestic cats be spayed or neutered.

STEP 1: Use the Library Catalog

Go to the Library homepage and find "Library Catalog".Type in your subject topic. You may add PHRASES such as " opposing viewpoints" or "controversial issues" or "social aspects" or "aspects".

STEP 2: Use Electronic databases

DIRECTIONS to find articles: 1) Go to Library homepage.  2) Click on Databases A-Z.  3) Select a database.  Note: if you use one of these databases from a remote location, you must enter your campus username and password.

• General Onefile - database of articles from magazines and journals.

• CQ Researcher - political, social, family, education and health issue

• Opposing viewpoints - controversial issues.