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English: ENG 105 & ENG 110 Writing I

Guide to resources in English, literature, composition, and technical writing fields

✨ Welcome to the ENG 110 Research & Writing Guide

Research in ENG 110 is more than just finding sources—it’s about understanding ideas and using them to shape your own. This guide will help you think critically, use sources effectively, and build stronger, more informed writing.

Use it anytime you need support with reading, researching, or incorporating evidence into your work.

✅ 1. Getting Started with Research Conversations

1. What *Is* the Research Conversation?

When you do research in college, you're not just collecting facts—you're stepping into an ongoing conversation among writers, scholars, and thinkers. Imagine walking into a room where people are already discussing your topic. First, you listen to what others are saying. Then, you join in with your own ideas, backed by what you've read and discovered.

2. How to Start Listening In
  • Skim articles to figure out what questions authors are asking.
  • Look for moments of disagreement, confusion, or missing info—these are conversation opportunities.
  • Ask yourself: What do I think about this? What’s surprising? What would I say in response?
3. Your Role as a Writer

You don’t have to be an expert to participate in a research conversation. Being thoughtful, curious, and clear is enough. Your job is to build on what you find—whether you're agreeing, disagreeing, or adding something new. Your perspective matters.

4. Common Moves in the Conversation
  • Summarize what others have said.
  • Agree—with a twist: “Yes, and here’s another example…”
  • Disagree: “No, because…”
  • Add something new: “This author doesn’t mention X, but I think it’s important.”

💡 4. Thinking Critically About Information

What does it mean to think critically?

Thinking critically means asking questions — not just accepting information at face value. It involves considering who created the information, why they created it, and how trustworthy it is.

Good questions to ask:

  • Who is the author or publisher?
  • What is their purpose — to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something?
  • Is the information current or outdated?
  • What evidence supports their claims?
  • Does the source present multiple viewpoints or just one side?
Different contexts, different standards

Not all sources need to meet the same criteria. The standards for a social media post are different than for a peer-reviewed article. What matters is using sources that match your purpose.

Example:

  • Writing a research paper? You’ll likely need scholarly, peer-reviewed sources.
  • Giving a presentation on public opinion? A well-researched news article or public survey might be appropriate.
Watch out for bias and misinformation

Even credible sources can have bias — and misinformation can be persuasive. Be especially careful with:

  • Headlines that sound too good (or bad) to be true
  • Sources with extreme or emotionally charged language
  • Content that lacks citations or data
  • Unverified claims spread on social media

Tip: Use fact-checking sites like Snopes or FactCheck.org if you're unsure about a claim.

Use the SIFT Method

SIFT is a quick strategy to help you evaluate online content:

  • Stop
  • Investigate the source
  • Find better coverage
  • Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context

✅ Checklist for Thinking Critically

Ask yourself:

  • Authority:
    🧑‍🏫 Who wrote this?
    Are they qualified to speak on the topic?

  • Evidence:
    📚 What evidence is provided?
    Are there facts, examples, data, or citations?

  • Purpose:
    🎯 Why was this written?
    Is the goal to inform, persuade, sell, entertain?

  • Bias:
    ⚖️ Is it balanced?
    Do you notice strong opinions or loaded language?

  • Currency:
    🕒 Is it up to date?
    For your topic, does the date of publication matter?

  • Relevance:
    📌 Is this useful for my project?
    Does it help me understand or support my argument?

  • Cross-Check:
    🔎 Can I verify this elsewhere?
    Do other sources confirm the same info?

🔍 2. Understanding Your Sources

🧠 Understanding Your Sources Not all sources are created equal—and that’s okay! What matters is how you use them.
Scholarly, Popular, and Trade—What’s the Difference? Scholarly Sources Written by experts (usually researchers or professors) Published in academic journals Include references and technical language 🧪 Best for: in-depth analysis, evidence, and peer-reviewed research Popular Sources Written for a general audience (magazines, news sites, blogs) Easier to read and often more current 📰 Best for: background info, public opinion, current events Trade Sources Written for professionals in a specific field 👩‍🏫 Best for: insight into industry trends or practices (e.g., education magazines, business journals)
What Does It Mean to Use a Source? You're not just plopping in quotes—you’re joining a conversation. Consider: Are you using the source to support your point? Are you challenging or complicating the source’s perspective? Are you showing a range of voices? 👂Good research is more than gathering—it's responding.
Ask Yourself: Why This Source? Every source should earn its place in your paper. Before using it, ask: Who wrote it, and why? When was it published? Is it still relevant? Does it help me understand my topic more deeply? 🔍 Being selective makes your paper stronger.
Need Help Evaluating a Source? Use the CRAAP test (yes, really): Currency – Is it up to date? Relevance – Does it relate to your topic? Authority – Who is the author/publisher? Accuracy – Can you verify the info? Purpose – Why was it written? 🤓 Still unsure? Ask a librarian—we love this stuff.

📚 5. Finding Voices to Join

This customized video walks you through how to find credible materials using Meyer Library resources!

✍️ 3. Using Sources in Your Writing

Sources should support your ideas, not replace them. Use them to provide evidence, background, or a different perspective—then explain how they connect to your point.
🎤 Use signal phrases Using a signal phrase introduces the source and helps your reader understand who is speaking and why they matter. Examples: According to Dr. Malik, a psychologist at UCLA, One study from the CDC found that... As journalist Jia Tolentino writes in The New Yorker... Signal phrases also make your writing flow more naturally than just dropping in a quote.
📝 Paraphrase and summarize more than you quote Quoting too much can overwhelm your voice. It’s often better to rephrase the source in your own words (with credit). Paraphrase: Say it differently but keep the detail Original: “Students who sleep less than 6 hours a night report significantly more anxiety.” Paraphrased: Students who get under six hours of sleep tend to feel more anxious, according to a recent study. Summarize: Condense the source's main idea A national survey found that poor sleep is linked to multiple issues, including anxiety, trouble focusing, and lower academic performance. Don't forget: You still need to cite, even if you're not quoting directly.
💬 Quote only when the wording is powerful Use direct quotes sparingly—only when: The wording is especially clear or compelling. It adds credibility. You want to analyze or respond to specific language. Bad example: *"Sleep is important," says the article. Better: "Sleep is a key pillar of mental health," argues Dr. Patel, highlighting how essential rest is to emotional regulation. Then follow it with your own explanation.
🔗 Follow quotes and paraphrases with YOUR ideas After including a source, explain why it matters. This shows how sleep affects not just physical health but also emotional resilience—something many college students struggle with. Think of it like this: Introduce → Include → Explain
🚫 Don’t let sources take over If most of your paragraph is quotes or summaries, the source is doing too much of the work. Try this: For every sentence with a source, follow with a sentence of your own. Make sure each paragraph still ties back to your thesis. You are the writer. Sources are your backup—not the main act.

🤝 6. Citing, Ethically and Clearly

Why citation matters

Citation isn’t just a formatting requirement — it’s a core part of academic integrity. When you cite a source, you:

  • Give credit to the original creator of the idea or information
  • Help your readers find and explore your sources
  • Show that your work is informed by credible evidence
  • Build trust by being transparent about where your information comes from
What to cite

You should cite anything that isn’t your own original idea or common knowledge. This includes:

  • Direct quotes
  • Paraphrased ideas or summaries
  • Statistics and data
  • Images, charts, or other media

Tip: When in doubt, cite it.

How to cite clearly

Good citation is about more than the bibliography — it’s about how you introduce and integrate your sources. Clear citation helps your reader understand:

  • Who is speaking (you or the source)
  • Why that source is relevant or credible
  • How it connects to your argument

Example signal phrases:

  • According to a 2023 study published in Journal of Social Psychology...
  • Historian James Smith argues that...
  • One perspective, highlighted in The Atlantic, suggests that...
Use tools and ask for help

You're not alone when it comes to citation. Missouri State students have access to:

Disclaimer

This page used ChatGPT to generate formatting code and style elements.  It was also used to help generate some content.