Reading Resources
- Good Reads: Think of this social networking website as Facebook for...books! Whether you're an avid reader or just looking for a summer read, Good Reads will help you decide what book to read next based on books you have already read and other personal preferences. On this site you can also read book reviews that others have posted.
- California Public Libraries: This website provides a master list of public libraries. To find your nearest local library simply press the [control] + [f] key on your keyboard and type in the city you live in or zip code. Making a library card is 100% free and not only gives you access to books but also scholarly articles, newspapers, and journals.
- Mind Tools: On this site, you can find strategies on how to improve your reading comprehension and study tips. Reading, like writing, is a process. This website is based on the Structured Reading Lesson (SRL) approach that we will be practicing in class. For more information on the SRL approach, please click this link.
Research Tools
Sources from the following databases are guaranteed to be accepted in my classroom if properly cited.
- Google Scholar: An online search engine with wide range of scholarly literature sources on various subjects. Simply type in the subject of research and scroll through the list of articles, books, journals, and essays related to your topic. No account sign-up required.
- Microsoft Academic Search: Another online search engine for academic sources about multiple subjects. Unlike Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic Search allows you to narrow down your research with presorted topics located on the left-hand column of the home page. No account sign-up is required.
- JSTOR: An online database for scholarly articles. This database is especially useful to our class because it has a heavy emphasis on literary sources. Unfortunately, it has restricted access. This means that you will not have access to as many sources as college libraries or students. However, you may sign up through JSTOR "Register & Read" program which allows restricted access to the database. Registration and sign-up are required (free) -- click this link to sign-up.
- National Archives: This government run site allows you to research historical events and official records. This database is helpful when your research requires you to find clear, concrete facts and not commentary on a topic.
Writing Assistance
In this section, I have provided links to websites that assist you during the writing process.
- Purdue OWL: An online writing lab that is helpful when you are struggling with the mechanics of writing your paper. If you forget how many inches your margins should be in MLA format or how to do parenthetical citation, this is an awesome website to find the answer. Click the following link to direct you straight to MLA Guidelines.
- A+ Research & Writing: This website provides a very simple guide to writing a research paper. While writing your papers, please refer first to your handouts from class and what we have learned as they are more comprehensive than what can be found on this site. If you forget your notes at school one day or just need a quick reference - this website will do the job.
Video Resources & Links - TED Talks, "Ideas Worth Spreading"
The following TED Talk speakers discuss the importance of reading, the magic of books and the world's obsession with the English language. These videos both have a multicultural perspective on the English language and literature.