Information Competency Literacy Research Guides

English 110
Instructor : Ms. J. Shultz

Purpose: Upon the successful completion of this unit, student will have demonstrated the following Library information competency skills:
Find reliable information sources with different points of view on an issue.
Use Opposing Viewpoints database to find different sources.
Apply the gathered evidence to their chosen argument.
Use the MLA standards for formatting and citations.
Students will identify a position on the topic.
Students will develop a logical argument defending a position.
Students will produce a persuasive essay or position paper with sources cited

INTRODUCTION
Different people have different points of view, opinions, and ideas about many things. Often these things become issues for people to answer or decisions for them to make. Issues become controversial when people disagree or even argue about them. People are often divided on controversial issues. We must examine the facts in order to make an informed decision on whether we are for or against such issues. They can affect and influence our daily lives and the country and the world that we live in. Before arriving at an opinion on the issue, you need to conduct some research to be aware of the facts presented by both sides of the argument. Research helps us to discover and support with specific examples… rather than defend our views and attack others.

Option 1 : Videogames Quest Should society ban or restrict the sale and use of violent video games. Debates about violent video games such as Mortal Kombat, Wolfenstein 3D and Doom has received a lot of attention since 1999 when two students of Columbine High School, Colorado, shot and killed 13 fellow pupils and finally themselves. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold enjoyed the bloody video game Doom and, according to many, were inspired by it. The debate over the destructive influence of video games even arrived at the US senate in 2000, when several researchers showed concern about the effect of violent video games on young people.	DIRECTIONS: 1. Go to *Opposing Viewpoints* (librarian will show you) and type in the subject video games. 4. Read articles and answer the questions on this worksheet. 5. Cite this in MLA Format

Option 2: Advertising Quest Sex in advertising and effects on women and men Every day we are faced with propaganda from advertisers. As critical thinkers, we need to be aware of the techniques used by the media so we can make informed decisions.	DIRECTIONS: 1. Go to *Opposing Viewpoints* (librarian will show you) and type in the subject *"sex in advertising"* 4. Answer the questions on this worksheet. 5. Cite this in MLA Format View this Powerpoint created by Jell Wahl, librarian, on how to cite to opposing Viewpoints Essay

Option 3: Genetic Engineered Food Quest Are GM foods beneficial? Safe for consumer? The first genetically engineered food was brought to market in 1996. Since that time, genetically modified (GM) foods have proven to be controversial. Opponents call them Frankenfoods and say they threaten our health and the environment. Proponents say they are safe, environmentally friendly, and may help end world hunger. Whatever you think of GM foods, you will find them difficult to avoid.	DIRECTIONS: 1. Go to Opposing Viewpoints and type in the subject genetically engineered foods. 2.Answer the questions on this worksheet. 5. Cite this in MLA Format View this Powerpoint created by Jell Wahl, librarian, on how to cite to Opposing Viewpoints Essay

Option 4: Organic Farming and Foods Quest Should consumers purchase organic foods and support organic farming? Organic production has been practiced in the United States since the late 1940s. From that time, the industry has grown from experimental garden plots to large farms with surplus products sold under a special organic label. Food manufacturers have developed organic processed products and many retail marketing chains specialize in the sale of "organic" products. This growth stimulated a need for verification that products are indeed produced according to certain standards. Thus, the organic certification industry also evolved.	DIRECTIONS: 1. Go to *Opposing Viewpoints* (librarian will show you) and type in the subject organic farming or farming. 2. Answer the questions on this worksheet. 5. Cite this in MLA Format

Option 5: Animal rights	DIRECTIONS: 1. Go to *Opposing Viewpoints* (librarian will show you) and type in the subject " animal rights". 4. Answer the questions on this worksheet. 5. Cite this in MLA Format

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