CITING SOURCES

What do I cite?

If it is arguable, then it has to be cited.

• Information, ideas, or words that are the product of a single author must be cited.
• Information, ideas, or words that could be disputed must be cited.

Ex: statistics, results of scientific studies, quotations, paraphrases, argument (Arguments that are part of the thesis of the paper being written should not be cited.)

What do I NOT cite?

If it is not arguable, then it should not be cited.

• Facts that are common knowledge (therefore beyond dispute) should not be cited.

Ex: dates of events, names of presidents...

HOW do I cite?

When you use a quotation, statistic, fact, or paraphrase from any source, you must tell the reader where you got that information. To do this, you must use a parenthetical citation.

After the quotation, statistic, or paraphrased idea, include the last name of the author and the page number in parentheses.

0000like this---> (Lewis 44)

For example:

  Grant knew that the economic power of the North would bring military victory (Lewis 44).

If you mention the author's name, just give the page #

  Robert Lewis believes that Grant knew that the numerical superiority of the North would, given time, yield military victory (44).

With a quotation, leave the parentheses outside the quotes and the period at the end.

  Grant knew that the numerical superiority of the North would, "without a doubt prove decisive in this conflict" (Lewis 44).

No author? Use the title which starts the sources entry in your bibliography.

  Grant knew that the numerical superiority of the North would, given time, yield military victory ("Understanding Grant" 44).

No page #s? Usually this happens with a webpage. Just leave them out.

  Grant knew that the numerical superiority of the North would, given time, yield military victory (Lewis).

For further help, try these websites

Citation help site - from author and educator Dianna Hacker
Bibliography (works cited) Help - Dianna Hacker
Citation / Bibliographical help - from Purdue University
Citing Electronic/Web Sources - from Austin Peay State University