Chapter 13. A Typical General Search – the Wreck of the Sea Empress

Summary

The particular virtues that tutors like to see in an assignment include a well-presented logical argument with a beginning, middle and an end, supported by real evidence. The latter will preferably include information which the student has gleaned for themselves rather than a mere regurgitation of what they have been told in class. However, to find such information on the internet, it is necessary to start a search with an appropriate vocabulary and to have some background knowledge in order to judge what is relevant and useful. Starting with such resources, it is possible rapidly to recognise dead ends and red herrings and to find solid evidence such as data. The case in point concerns the major oil spill which took place when the Sea Empress ran aground in Milford Haven, Wales. Solid, reliable data which are published on the internet can be obtained from the Stationery Office.