MS 7 - Leadership Class Debate: Home

Creating a word bank:

• Write down as many ideas as you can for search terms, start with synonyms of your topic. This can include definitions and similar ideas.
• Next, think about key concepts, related issues, specific examples, broader ideas.
• As you research, add in any new words that you discover as you grow your understanding of your topic.

Sample Word Bank for topic "year-round school"

• traditional calendar
• academic calendar
• continuous learning
• learning loss
• schedule
• summer slide
• instructional time
• family impact 

Where do I start searching?

Start with the databases, they have your most accurate information!

• browse through the topics to see if they have yours
• use the word and in your searching to connect ideas
• look at filters for specific type of information
• look for "search within" box to narrow your results

Searching Google

• you can string together words without using and
• you can add "quotation marks" to specify a whole phrase
  • "single use plastics" bans
  • "physical education" mandatory
  • cons "endangered species" protection
• you can string together synonyms using OR (make sure to capitalize OR)
• remember you are looking for both facts and opinions, pro and con - add pros cons to your search if you are struggling!

Want to use quotes from your research to give your information authority as you sell your side?

Try using these statements instead of "says":

• affirms
• argues 
• asserts
• contends
• claims
• concludes
• declares
• explains
• maintains
• proclaims
• suggests