Unit Checkpoint: Citing Sources
Test Your Knowledge
Complete all 10 questions about citing sources.
Checkpoint Questions
Question 1
What is the main purpose of citing sources?
Show Answer
To give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism
It also helps readers find your sources to learn more.
Question 2
Which phrase is a good way to introduce a citation?
A) I think B) According to C) Maybe D) In my opinion
Show Answer
B) According to
"According to [source]..." clearly shows information came from a source.
Question 3
What punctuation do you use for a direct quote?
Show Answer
Quotation marks (" ")
Example: "The early bird catches the worm" (Smith).
Question 4
Do you need to cite information when you paraphrase (put it in your own words)?
Show Answer
Yes!
Even when you use your own words, the idea came from a source, so you must cite it.
Question 5
What is a bibliography?
Show Answer
A list of all sources used in your research
It appears at the end of your paper in alphabetical order.
Question 6
Which information is NOT typically needed to cite a book?
A) Author B) Title C) Number of pages you read D) Publisher
Show Answer
C) Number of pages you read
You need: Author, Title, Publisher, Year (and page number for quotes).
Question 7
Is this plagiarism? A student copies a sentence from a website and adds "I found this online."
Show Answer
Yes, it's still plagiarism
You need to give the specific source name, not just say "online."
Question 8
What makes a source "reliable"?
Show Answer
Written by experts, from trusted organizations, with verifiable facts
Examples: .edu, .gov sites, encyclopedias, published books.
Question 9
Does "The sky is blue" need a citation?
Show Answer
No - this is common knowledge
Facts everyone knows don't need citations. But specific scientific explanations of WHY it's blue would need a citation.
Question 10
When should you record source information?
Show Answer
While you're taking notes, BEFORE you write your paper
Don't wait until the end - you might forget where information came from!
How Did You Do?
9-10 correct: Excellent! You understand citing sources!
7-8 correct: Great job! Review what you missed.
5-6 correct: Good effort! Review the earlier lessons.
Below 5: Keep practicing! Go back through the unit.
Unit Summary
Give Credit
Cite all borrowed ideas
Quote vs Paraphrase
Both need citations
Bibliography
List sources at end
Track Sources
Record info while researching
Congratulations!
You've completed the Citing Sources unit!