College Success: "Chapter 8, Section 8.2: How Can I Become a Better Writer"
In Section 8.2 of the textbook, read the text below the headings titled "Plagiarism - and How To Avoid It" and "Forms of Citation." Be sure that you understand the underlying reasons why it is important to cite where you have found information. Many students learn how to cite without understanding that citation is an important research tool and a critical component of academic integrity - not a meaningless rule. After you have completed this reading, work through the checkpoint exercises at the end of the section.
Just like words, ideas also belong to the original writer. In college, you will be encouraged to read and use other people's words and ideas, but you will need to know the correct and incorrect ways to do so! Many students struggle with knowing what is common knowledge and what needs a citation. If you are ever in doubt about whether to cite something or not, err on the side of caution and cite it. You will never get in trouble for telling someone where you found your information - but you might get in trouble if you do not. You have already explored several great online resources and citation manuals. For your convenience, links to two important citation styles, MLA and APA, have been provided again below for your review. Click on one or both of the links below to further explore these resources. Specifically pay attention to the menu of clickable links that run down the left-hand side of the page. These links include both style guides as well as examples of specific citations and documents that you can use as models. Do this right now, while you are thinking about citations. Don't wait until you need this information at the end of a research assignment! Because different instructors may ask for different types of citation formats, it might be a good idea to bookmark both of these webpages for later use.