CITATIONS

Citing sources Why? It lets your reader know that you want to make clear to them which are your ideas/words/pictures, etc. and which are someone else's. If you do not cite your sources, you are committing plagiarism (Plagiarism is an unlawful act in which you use someone else's work as if it is your own. It can get you in big trouble. Avoid it.). It gives your Thesis Statement a lot more credibility because you obviously didn't just make up what you are claiming. You did your research! Your reader can check the original source for more information or for accuracy if they want to challenge you.

Citing Sources When? Direct quotations whether in written or oral formats (includes stories, speeches, fiction and nonfiction) Paraphrased quotations (these are quotes whose words you have changed somewhat) Statistical Data (numbers about things) Images that are attributed to someone (includes cartoons, photos, maps, artwork, computer graphics-but not free "clip art") Song lyrics Original ideas that are attributed to someone else, even if you put them in your own words

Citing Sources How? At the end of the borrowed material, put in parentheses the author's last name and the page(s) where the material is found within the source. Use the author's name in the text that you write and put the page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the borrowed material.

Works Cited Page Alphabetical Goes at the end of your paper