The Writer's Research Chapter 5 Analysis

Upon reading chapter 5 from Holdstein’s “Who says? The Writer’s Research” I found myself faced with a number of ideas I had been unfamiliar with. After thoroughly examining this chapter, I realized that previously, I hadn’t properly evaluated resources, which is a mistake I made as someone who gathers research and analyzes various ideas in my writing. Throughout this chapter, I took notice that I, as a writer, have three main responsibilities: conducting a thorough search for sources using the proper key words, carefully and meticulously, yet efficiently analyzing sources, and determining the rationality of a source. While these ideas may present themselves as challenging, as I had been previously unfamiliar with them, if I acquire the proper …show more content…
“The Internet has made it possible for large amounts of often unfiltered information to be shared in effortless fashion…you have to be savvy in the way you search for and decide to use these sources…If, for example, you are using the keywords “fast food” to search for resources, you are as likely to stumble upon a website entitled Bob’s Burger Adventures as you are to find a comprehensive study of fast food nutrition from the United States Government” (Holdstein 55). I found this idea to be most helpful, as I realize that as a writer who constantly prodices essays and narratives, it is much more simple to use vague keywords that it is to actually refine a search. While it may be challenging to know which keywords to use when embarking on a search, I know now if I use only minimal and obscure terms, it is likely I will find inaccurate sources, or no sources at all. While the application of this may be a bit arduous, the outcome will be rewarding, as I know I am using only the best sources for my …show more content…
“It will be necessary to learn ways to judge fairly quickly whether a source will be woth your careful perusal and study…Learning to “read”…carious components of (especially) longer sources can assist in your sorting through overwhelming amounts of materials in a responsible way” (Holdstein 61). This idea held personal significance for two reasons: firstly, it substantiated the degree of impossibility that exists in mindlessly looking over a source. As a writer, I had previously only considered a source’s title when judging its credibility. What I thought was selective looking was actually irresponsible searching. Furthermore, this idea allowed me to realize that naturally, it is inevitable that I take a long time searching for articles. I realize now that in doing so, time is lost in the process of actually formulating an essay, because more time is invested in searching for sources. While learning to balance both time and clarity may be difficult at first, their combined effectiveness will produce fruitful results. It is only a matter of me practicing accurate searching skills with properly managing my