ENG 111: College Composition I (Jeddy-Loudoun)

This research guide will connect you to information and resources for your ENG 111 research assignment. For additional assignment information, please refer to your Canvas course or contact your professor.

If you need research assistance or library help, please use the 24/7 Chat Service or make an appointment with a Loudoun Campus Librarian. 

Before you begin your research, make a plan to keep yourself organized. This may be the most important (in terms of time savings) step in the research process!

Ask yourself: Do you prefer taking notes on paper, on a computer, or both? How will you keep track of your research notes and your sources?

There is no wrong answer to this question; but organizing yourself before you begin research will help you be more efficient in your work, so be sure to take a few minutes to give this some thought and come up with a plan that will keep you organized to help save you time.

Researchers propose that people can be classed into generations that have specific traits. These traits may cause challenges among generations in society and the workplace. You will conduct research to learn more about the concept of generational gaps and determine how the concept or its misconception may cause a specific problem in a workplace or in society. Then you will pose a solution or two in a way that convinces an appropriate audience of your choice to carry out your solution(s). Your letter will answer:

• What is the problem? What problem(s) do you find for your “generation”? Do you agree with these problems? How might these challenges affect you in your future, in your career or in your experience in general? How have these challenges affected you already? Are there stereotypes that are inaccurate?
• Who is affected by the problem? What are its consequences?
• What solutions have been attempted to solve the problem? Which ones are more effective and why?
• What do you want your audience to do?

You will write a 3-4 page open letter (750-1000 words) in which you define a specific problem, propose a viable solution or two, and try to convince your audience to carry out your solution(s).  Remember to address your direct and indirect audiences. 

You will also provide and cite evidence from three sources that are reputable for your chosen audience. At least one source must be from a NOVA library database.

1. Identify your information needs and the sources available

• Define information needs
• Identify the different sources related to those information needs

2. Access information efficiently

• Search for the needed information
• Monitor the literature

4. Evaluate critically the information found

• Analyze the relevance of results
• Determine any gaps and re-search if necessary
• Assess the reliability of your information by developing a critical mind  

5. Communicate your research (effectively)

• Organize the information collected
• Compare prior knowledge with information collected
• Synthesize results and incorporate the material into your structured essay 
• Support arguments with quotations and a bibliography using the appropriate citation format