Resources for Controversial Issue

Click the Arrow next to the Step to see the resources available.
Watch this quick video for an overview!

Step 1: Understanding Bias, Misinformation and Disinformation

When researching controversial issues, there is always going to be information that contains bias, misinformation and disinformation in an attempt to sway the opinion and minds of the researcher. Therefore, it is important to understand the way information is presented in order to find the best sources available.

Watch How misinformation works on the brain, according to a psychologist 6 min video
Review Understanding Disinformation and Media Literacy Presentation
Complete the Disinformation and Media Bias Playlist
Lateral Reading Challenge Google Form (This is part of the playlist above too)
Play a game to learn more
- Bad News to become a Fake News Tycoon and Complete this Worksheet to understand the 6 Tenants of Bad Information 30 min activity
- Spot the Troll to identify real life Trolls that spread disinformation.
- Play the Game: Think Before You Share

Step 2: Understanding Argumentative v. Persuasive Writing

Step 3: Picking a Controversial Issue Topic and Creating a Working Thesis

Some topics work better for argumentative writing than others. For example, Climate Change has all the facts on one side. According to NASA, 98% of the world's climate scientists have factual evidence to show that climate change has increased and is a danger due to the planet due to man-made activity. However, it is arguable what to do about climate change. A strong argument could be made for outlawing the production of beef. Others believe electric cars are the answer. There are scientific studies to show the benefits of both.

The most important thing to remember is to pick a topic you are interested in researching.

Review the following lists of possible topics: 50 Argumentative Topics
300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing
Use this handout to help you write a thesis: Thesis Statement Handout

Step 4: Finding and Evaluating Credible Sources

Your entire argument rests on finding credible sources for your research. Use the following resources to learn how to evaluate sources and then where to find different types of resources.

Find a book in the library: Library Catalog link and Watch How to Use the Library Catalog Video
Mining Wikipedia (but not using it as a source)
Quick Digital Research Tips: Smart Site Google Searching
Databases have primary & secondary sources: AHS Library Databases Log-in Info
- Britannica School Encyclopedia help. Help Video
- Escolar: Britannica School content in Spanish. Help Video
- ProQuest Newspapers, magazines, etc. Help Video

Check Your News Sources for Bias using AllSides Media.
Sources in the middle LCR are great. Sources on the far left or far right may be too biased for use in a research paper.

Step 5: Creating a Works Cited

Step 6: Putting it all together in an Outline, Essay, or Speech

Resources for Controversial Issue

Click the Arrow next to the Step to see the resources available. Watch this quick video for an overview!

Click the Arrow next to the Step to see the resources available.
Watch this quick video for an overview!