Writing 10-41: College Reading & Composition (Fall 2025)

University of West Florida, John C. Pace Library, 3:50

As you watch the video, consider:

1. What do you put in a database’s search box?
2. What is a keyword?
3. How do you go from a research question to a keyword?
4. How many keywords should you use?
5. What are some strategies for developing related keywords?

Long description of "Brainstorming Keywords" for web accessibility

TIPS

• Search exact phrases by using quotation marks
• Use broader or narrower terms and related words as synonyms

1. Identify the key concepts in your topic: How can food sovereignty movements address inequities in the U.S. food system?

How can food sovereignty movements address inequities in the U.S. food system?

2. Brainstorm for related terms:

food sovereignty:

• ownership
• independence

inequities:

• inequality, equality
• equity
• parity

U.S. food system:

• USDA
• school lunch program

Try Academic Search Complete > Subject Terms to find subject headings for your topic.

We'll begin with a review of your research question or topic, and a keyword exercise. Please open the spreadsheet linked here:

Please fill in:

• Question 1
• Question 2
• Then, pause before proceeding and leave your browser tab or window OPEN.

Later, we'll do a 20-minute independent searching exercise in class, using Academic Search Complete and putting all of the search strategies we've reviewed in class into action.