Transcript Lesson 6 Essentials Video: Evidence

ANSEL: When I was in high school, you know, we didn't really learn how to do research. And I would try to figure out what I wanted to write in my paper before really understanding what it was that I was writing the paper about, and then I would do research. But what I've learned in college is that, at least for me, the very best way to write is to get all of your data, and then look at it, and then figure out what the data is saying, and explain it.

NIA: I feel like a good paper is when you really take the time to know what you're talking about. That way, you don't have to—you're not worrying about how many words you need until you have to stop writing. And you're not worried about, oh, maybe I can space two and a half, so that it's the right length.

You're not worried about that, because interesting or not, you have a lot to say. You did your research. You did your homework. And interesting or not, there's a lot to put on the paper.

MAYA: I love to put quotes in my work. I love it. You know, to have people—especially when you're writing about something that's close to where you're from, or things that your community has experienced, and to show that there's a person from the other side of the world in a different situation at a different time that dealt with the exact same thing, it really makes you feel human and equal. And not equal, but you know, it makes you feel human and that you can relate.

CARA: Usually, to find legitimate sources that I can use for a scholarly essay, I go to databases, such as, like, JSTOR or EBSCO. I do use Google to look at Google Scholar or Google Books. And I go to my local library, because they're awesome.

MATT: Some other really, really good sources I found were just recent articles, knowing what's up to date with your topic. New York Times, your local news station, CNN—all credible, credible sources to support whatever your current topic is.

CARA: You know, I'll write out questions for myself about my subject. And then part of the answers will include my source material. So all these answers to all the questions about the subject slowly weave together to form my essay.

NICOLE: You know with quotes, you don't want to just drop a quote into the paper. You want to introduce your quote, why are you using this quote, and how is that relevant to the point that you just mentioned.

NIA: It actually pays off. It makes your paper a lot better. It feeds you, if you will. Research is the food that feeds your writing.