Consider limiting your Google search to educational and government web sites by typing your topic and site: domain names, like these examples about space exploration:
Important: In your speech, please be prepared to explain why you think a particular web site is credible enough to use as a source.
Find background information & overviews; great for informative speeches!
Helpful for topic development; great for persuasive speeches!
Covers many current issues; good for narrowing down your topic
Many current articles on a wide variety of topics. Best for once you have a solid topic & keywords brainstormed.
Find background information on your topic; excellent for informative speeches!
A database is an electronic collection of information.
You can access hundreds of databases through the Penn State Libraries' web site.
Let's "speed-date" these top databases and see which ones you fall in love with!
Power Tip: Use info from encyclopedia articles in the introduction of your speech to set the stage!
Need help developing your topic? Grab a pen and paper--check out this short tutorial and you'll have a nice, narrow topic mapped out in no time!
Watch this tutorial to learn searching shortcuts in Opposing Viewpoints!
Search Term | What it does | Example |
---|---|---|
AND |
All terms must appear Narrows your search Fewer results Use to include multiple concepts |
mental health AND college students |
OR |
Either term may appear Broadens your search More results Use for related concepts |
online dating OR internet relationships |
NOT |
Removes a term from your search Narrows your search Fewer results Use for concepts you do not want to research |
online dating NOT Tinder |
Phrases |
Search for exact phrases Narrows your search Fewer results |
"role playing game" |