Wherefore Art Thou, REFERENCES?

Where can you find information to support your claims or points?

Here are some places where you can start looking:

LIBRARY

Like the Internet, the library contains a huge  

treasure trove of information with the only

difference being that it is in hard copy. 

Teachers and lecturers will provide reading

lists and the books listed can often be found

in the school or college library. Not only do 

libraries contain reference books to help you in

your research, you will also be able to find 

journals expressing expert opinions on a variety

of subject matter. All these materials are there for a purpose, so use them.

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

Believe it or not, reading newspapers or  magazines can also give you snippets of information that will help you write a research paper or essay that is in tune with what is happening in the world today. For example, if you are writing a report on the aged population in Malaysia, a newspaper may have an article that contains current statistics on the percentage of aged folks in our population.

DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS

Find yourself stuck at a word during revision?   

Get yourself unstuck with a dictionary. A dictionary contains an extensive amount of words and their definitions, listed alphabetically. Not only does it help you by explaining the difficult words, it is also a good reference for correct spelling as well as correct usage of a word, especially when you are writing an essay or an assignment. The thesaurus contains synonyms for commonly used words. By providing an array of words that are similar or have the same meaning as another word, it helps you to express ideas precisely when writing.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL/NON-PROFIT/REGULATORY BODIES

Leaflets and brochures as well as information  delivered by these organisations can be sources of reliable information. Such organisations often act as clearing houses for the exchange or dissemination of useful information on specific topics. The Malaysian Aids Council and the Malaysian Medical Association for example, are important sources of information on health-related subjects. You will also find up-to-date statistics from these bodies.

THE INTERNET

Following its conception in the 1960s, the Internet has since been continuously gaining momentum and is also currently known as the information superhighway. A computer connected to the Internet allows a person to connect to unlimited information and communication, wherever he may be. 

The following are some of the many benefits of the Internet :

• Resources

These include up-to-the minute news, copies of important documents and photos, and research on topics ranging from weather conditions to population statistics.

•  Assignment help

Make use of the free online encyclopaedias and other reference materials. look at discussion boards and see what the experts have to say about your specific subject matter.

• Improves reading skills

Find interesting materials and suggestions for additional reading.

•  Improves technology and information skills

Build up your resourcefulness as you discover the ways you can find and use information, solve problems and communicate articulately. These are skills that you will need later on at the workplace.

•  Connect and learn

Make new friends online, exchange emails and learn about the cultures and traditions from all over the world.

With the references in hand, you are now ready for ANYTHING!

Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.