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How do I search Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints?

Learn how to find sources for a controversial topic.

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Search Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints

Step 1:

Access Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints. (If you're off-campus, you will be prompted to login with your myPVCC username and password)

 

Step 2:

Enter your search terms in the search box, and click Search.

search box

 

Step 3:

Review your results.  First, read the overview, if one appears at the top.  What's great about the overview is it gives you a quick summary of what it is.  For example, the overview of the electoral college gives you the history of it, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

overview summary

 

Step 4:

Next, look at the various content types.  Click either "Featured Viewpoints" or "Viewpoints."  These are the most useful items in the database.  Typically, students use this database for controversial issues topics, such as "Should the electoral college be abolished?"  The viewpoints sections will give you both sides of the issue.

click featured viewpoints or viewpoints

 

Step 5:

Click on one of the articles to read it.  

click on article to read

Tips!

tip

  • Check out the other content types if the Viewpoints don't have what you need.  Academic journals, statistics, and news can be very useful depending on your topic.
  • Do you have a controversial topic to write about?  Try the other Controversial Issues databases.