- Perplexity: for initial web research with visible source links.
- NotebookLM: when you already have a defined set of sources.
- Search and primary sources: for the final verification step.
- 1. Frame the question: use the helper above to narrow the topic and generate search terms.
- 2. Find material: use Perplexity or normal search to locate sources; open the original pages/papers.
- 3. If you already have PDFs: use our PDF helper or NotebookLM to work from a defined source set.
- 4. University-level literature search: SciSpace can help discover and compare academic papers; verify the original paper before citing it.
- 5. Keep the sources you actually used: Zotero is the stronger choice for citations and bibliography management.
Perplexity — start from sources, not a finished essay
Perplexity is useful when exploring a topic and you want links to the material used in its answer. A citation is not proof by itself: open the source and check whether it actually supports the specific claim.
The service’s current terms require users to be at least 13. A parent or guardian must accept the terms on behalf of a minor aged 13+ before use.
NotebookLM — when you already have the sources
If a teacher has supplied PDFs, websites or other specific material, NotebookLM can be a cleaner choice than open web search because the questions stay tied to that source set.
“Find four reliable sources on this topic. For each one, tell me who published it, what it supports and which point I should verify myself.”
The three-check rule
- Who? Who published the source and why are they credible on this topic?
- When? Is it recent enough for the question you are answering?
- Does it really say that? Open the source and locate the supporting passage or evidence.
Do not submit the AI answer as your assignment
Use the tool to find and organise material. Then read the sources you keep and write the final work in your own words.