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Albert S. Cook Library

TSEM 190: Shipwrecks (McAlister)

Writing Resources

Some Questions to Ask about Sources

  • Who wrote this source? What is the nature of their expertise?
  • Where was this source published? Who reads this source?
  • What evidence is used in this source?
  • Is this source timely enough for my needs?

What Are Sources Good For?

Think not just about the quality of your sources, but HOW you are going to use a source.

One framework for this is called the BEAM Method (standing for: Background, Exhibit, Argument, Method).

Hunter College has a useful guide to BEAM

Citing