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BEAM: Using Sources in Your Writing

Often, assignments will include phrases such as to “use sources” or “present evidence.” How do you actually do that? How do you take a pile of sources and “use” them?

The key is to figure out how each source fits into your argument or thesis. One popular method for doing so is the BEAM (or BEAT) method.123

BEAM stands for…

  • Background information
  • Exhibits / Evidence
  • Arguments
  • Methods / Theories

Tip

Sometimes BEAM is called BEAT. Instead of M for methods, it includes T for theory. Theories can be used to establish a general model/perspective to frame your thesis, as well as shared vocabulary with the reader. Depending on your discipline, you may find BEAT the more helpful acronym to remember.

The BEAM / BEAT model provides a useful framework for organizing your sources and integrating them into your work.

It can be helpful to keep these categories in mind when searching, to make sure that you have the sources that you need. For example, you don’t want to end up with mostly background information when you are writing an analytical paper.

Key Point!

A source can have more than one use. For example, a journal article could include background information, exhibits, arguments, and methods.

However, some source formats are more likely to only have one use; for example, an encyclopedia entry is likely to only be a background information source.

  1. Bizup, J.. (2008), BEAM: A Rhetorical Vocabulary for Teaching Research-Based Writing. Rhetoric Review, 27(1), 72-86. ↩

  2. Bizup, J. (unknown). BEAM/BEAT: Thinking About Sources in the Writing Classroom. Boston University Teaching & Writing.  ↩

  3. University of California Merced. (2021), Source Functions: Background, Exhibits, Argument, Method (BEAM): Source Functions (BEAM). UC Merced Library.  ↩