Which of the following would be the best approach to answering an essay question?

a.
Find a textbook which summaries the key points and copy the main arguments.

b.
Type the question into Google and use websites on the first page of results as the basis of your answer.

c.
Decide what your own view is and then look for information resources to support it.

d.
Search the library catalogue, find a range of books and decide your own position in response to the essay question.

d. Search the library catalogue, find a range of books and decide your own position in response to the essay question.

d. Search the library catalogue, find a range of books and decide your own position in response to the essay question.

The best approach to answering an essay question would be option d: Search the library catalogue, find a range of books and decide your own position in response to the essay question. Here's why:

Option a, finding a textbook that summarizes the key points and copying the main arguments, is not ideal because it promotes plagiarism and doesn't encourage critical thinking or independent research. Instead, it is important to develop your own ideas and arguments based on research.

Option b suggests typing the question into Google and using websites on the first page of results as the basis of your answer. While Google can be a helpful tool, relying solely on the first page of search results is not a reliable method for conducting thorough research. It's essential to evaluate the credibility, quality, and relevance of the sources you use.

Option c advises deciding your own view and then looking for information resources to support it. While it's important to develop your own perspective, it's equally important to consider multiple viewpoints and engage with a range of information resources. This allows for a well-rounded and evidence-based argument.

Option d, searching the library catalogue, finding a range of books, and deciding your own position in response to the essay question, is the most effective approach. By utilizing the library catalogue, you can access a diverse collection of authoritative books that span different perspectives and provide in-depth knowledge on the topic. Reviewing multiple sources will help you understand various viewpoints and enhance the validity of your arguments.

In summary, conducting independent research by searching the library catalogue and exploring a range of books is the most advisable approach for answering an essay question. It allows you to develop your own perspective while also considering different viewpoints supported by reliable sources.