E-Resource Spotlight: Points of View Reference Center
Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue, this database provides rich content that can help students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills. Points of View Reference Center contains 400 topics (with more than 1,900 essays), each with an overview (objective background / description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument). Each topic features a Guide to Critical Analysis which helps the reader evaluate the controversy and enhances students’ ability to read critically, develop their own perspective on the issues, and write or debate an effective argument on the topic. Examples of subjects include citizen’s rights, the environment, global issues, health and medicine, and society/culture. Some of the newer hot topics include participation trophies, driverless vehicles, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Points of View Reference Center provides a balance of materials from all viewpoints with main essays, leading political magazines from all areas of the political spectrum, newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, primary source documents, and reference books. The database also offers related images and supplementary research guides for writing position papers, developing arguments, and debating.