English 121: Guide: Module 7 - Authority

Modules for each section of English 121

How do we get Authority?

You are taking classes at Saint Leo to learn things that you do not know. So how do we find information about what we do not know? How do we make sure that the information we find is accurate?

The simple answer: Use library databases to find information written by the experts.

Or you can use a website and then use this checklist to determine if it is scholarly.

Remember to use Textual Signifiers (like signal phrases) to explain to your reader why the source is relevant and has authority.

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Zotero works best with Microsoft Word and SLU students can get Office 365 at no cost.

Grammarly

Saint Leo has an institutional account with Grammarly.com, an online plagiarism and grammar checker.

Click here to sign up for a free account using your Saint Leo email address.

Writing Resources

ACADEMIC VERSUS COLLOQUIAL The term “colloquial” refers to a style of writing that is conversational (how we talk on a daily basis). In academic writing, writers discard the colloquial style and embrace a more professional, analytical tone (i.e., academic writing).