Citing Sources
Learn to properly credit sources and avoid plagiarism.
Learn
When you use information from sources in your writing, you must give credit to the original author. This is called citation. Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and to help readers find your sources.
Why Citation Matters
- Gives credit: Acknowledges the work of others
- Avoids plagiarism: Using others' ideas without credit is academic dishonesty
- Builds credibility: Shows your research is based on reliable sources
- Helps readers: Allows others to find and verify your sources
When to Cite
- Direct quotes (exact words from a source)
- Paraphrases (ideas restated in your own words)
- Statistics, facts, and data
- Images, charts, or graphics from sources
- Ideas or theories from someone else
MLA Format Basics
MLA (Modern Language Association) is commonly used in English classes.
In-text citation: (Author's Last Name page number)
Example: "Climate change affects wildlife migration patterns" (Smith 45).
Examples
Example 1: Citing a Book
Works Cited entry:
Smith, John. The Science of Climate. Green Press, 2023.
In-text citation:
"The polar ice caps have decreased by 13% per decade" (Smith 102).
Example 2: Citing a Website
Works Cited entry:
"Endangered Species Facts." National Geographic, 15 Mar. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/endangered-species.
In-text citation:
According to National Geographic, over 41,000 species are currently threatened ("Endangered Species Facts").
Practice
Question 1: What is plagiarism?
Answer
Plagiarism is using someone else's words, ideas, or work without giving them proper credit. This includes copying text directly, paraphrasing without citation, or presenting others' ideas as your own.
Question 2: Which of the following requires citation: (a) a direct quote, (b) your own opinion, (c) common knowledge like "water freezes at 32F"?
Answer
(a) A direct quote requires citation. Your own opinion and common knowledge do not require citation.
Question 3: Fix this in-text citation: According to the book, "Recycling reduces landfill waste."
Answer
The citation needs the author's name and page number. Correct version: According to the book, "Recycling reduces landfill waste" (Johnson 34).
Question 4: What information is typically included in a Works Cited entry for a book?
Answer
A book Works Cited entry includes: Author's name (Last, First), Title of book (italicized), Publisher, and Year of publication.
Question 5: Is paraphrasing without citation acceptable?
Answer
No. Even when you put ideas in your own words, you must cite the source because the ideas came from someone else. Only the wording is yours; the information still belongs to the original author.
Question 6: Create an in-text citation for a quote from page 78 of a book by Maria Lopez.
Answer
(Lopez 78)
Question 7: Why might a reader want to check your sources?
Answer
Readers might want to: verify the accuracy of information, learn more about the topic, evaluate the credibility of sources, or use the same sources for their own research.
Question 8: What should you do if a website article has no author listed?
Answer
If no author is listed, use the article title in quotation marks for both the Works Cited entry and in-text citation. Example: ("Global Warming Facts").
Question 9: True or False: You only need to cite sources at the end of your paper, not within the text.
Answer
False. You need both in-text citations (within your paper where you use the source) AND a Works Cited page (at the end listing all sources). Both are required.
Question 10: How does proper citation build your credibility as a writer?
Answer
Proper citation shows that your claims are supported by research from reliable sources. It demonstrates academic honesty, thorough research, and respect for intellectual property. Readers are more likely to trust a writer who properly documents their sources.
Check Your Understanding
- What are three reasons why citation is important?
- What is the difference between a Works Cited entry and an in-text citation?
- When do you NOT need to cite information?
Next Steps
- Practice creating Works Cited entries for different source types
- Use citation generators to check your formatting
- Continue to Lesson 5: Research Paper Organization