• Unit 3: How Do I Use Sources?

    A well-placed reference, quotation, or paraphrase from an outside expert can make all the difference when you are making an argument. In fact, many academic writing assignments require you to include these types of supporting arguments to support your case. These supporting arguments can convince your reader that other respected, intelligent individuals share your perspective; it can argue your point with winning style or rhetorical power; and it can prop up your argument where you may need help.

    In this unit, we explore how to leverage the work of others to strengthen your argument, while you ensure that you (and not the individual you reference) take the spotlight. We also address plagiarism and the steps you can take to avoid it.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

    • 3.1: Integrating Sources

      • 3.1.1: Evaluating Sources

      • 3.1.2: Engaging Strong Counterarguments

    • 3.2: Why Cite?

      • 3.2.1: Avoiding Plagiarism

      • 3.2.2: Quoting

      • 3.2.3: Paraphrasing and Summarizing

    • 3.3: How to Cite

        • 3.3.1: Selecting a Citation Style

        • 3.3.2: MLA Citation

        • 3.3.3: APA Citation

        • 3.3.4: Chicago Citation

      • 3.4: Sentence-Level Sloppiness

        • 3.4.1: Misplaced Modifiers

        • 3.4.2: Pronoun-Antecedent Disagreement

      • Unit 3 Essay

      • Unit 3 Assessment

        • Receive a grade