Research Skills - Identify potential sources

You are assigned to read a book that is a made-up story set in a time period from the past. Which genre would you select?

• historical fiction

• biography

• science fiction

• fantasy

For social studies you are assigned to research one U.S. state. Which resource will NOT help you in your research?

• nonfiction book about the state

• encyclopedia

• state website

• biography

A magazine is a resource that is published on a regular basis and that you can use to find current information on a variety of topics. What is another library term that means the same as magazine?

• bibliography

• biography

• thesaurus

• periodical

You need to find information on alternative fuels, such as ethanol, for a three-page paper. What research approach should you take to find the necessary information?

• Use an Internet search engine, browse the library shelves, and look through informational pamphlets

• Search the online library catalog, use an Internet search engine, and search a news database

• Search the online library catalog, ask a classmate for help, and look through magazines

You want to find out when and where the most recent earthquake took place. Which of these sources would have the most recent earthquake information?

• your science textbook

• a current science magazine

• the local newspaper

• U.S. Geological Society earthquake website

Which of the following is NOT a primary source in history?

• original photographs

• book reviews

• letters

• diaries

Which of these sources would you use to find synonyms for the word "fearless?"

• almanac, thesaurus

• thesaurus, dictionary

• dictionary, atlas

• almanac, dictionary

The Google search engine is an example of a fee-based resource.

• True

• false

Your science class is studying the solar system. You need to find a current article about the solar system for extra credit. Which database should you check first for a current article?

• a magazine database

• an encyclopedia database

• a history database

• a reference database

You have a list of 20 places to label on a current map of China for tomorrow. You left your map at school, and the assignment is due first thing in the morning. Where might you get a suitable map to use in its place?

• Historic China - www.chinamaps.org - maps showing China's history, 221 B.C.E. through 1911

• Map Machine - www.nationalgeographic.com - maps of the 7 continents

• The National Atlas - www.nationalatlas.gov - maps of the United States

• World Atlas - www.worldatlas.com - outline maps of individual countries