Citation Guides: How to Cite Your Sources

YOU SHOULD CITE WHEN:

• Referring to a source and stating someone else's opinions, thoughts, ideas, or research
• Using an image or media file that you did not create

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WHEN REFERRING TO A SOURCE, YOU HAVE THREE OPTIONS FOR USING IT:

1. Directly Quoting 
2. Summarizing 
3. Paraphrase 

"Which option you should choose depends on how much of a source you are using, how you are using it, and what kind of paper you are writing, since different fields use sources in different ways."

 Grounds for Argument. When to Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize a Source. Used under CC BY NC SA

Image:  Random quote by Gabriel Jones. Used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

YOUR SOURCES HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE BEYOND AVOIDING PLAGIARISM

Sometimes you are asked to respond to a point of view given in a particular article or other source. Other times, you are asked to include a certain number of sources in your paper. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you think about incorporating sources into your paper.

• Does your source provide some context or background information?
• Has the source shaped your thinking about your topic or somehow influenced your opinion about the topic you are writing about?
• Is your source an authority on the subject and including it would strengthen your position?
• Does your source provide evidence that backs up your claims? If so, remember that you will need to explain the relevance of the source to your readers. 
• Does a source disagree with you on the points you are trying to make? Don't leave it out of your paper. Include it, but explain how your points of view differ and why their position may not be as compelling as yours.

Based on Harvard Guide to Using Sources: A Source's Role In Your Paper

YOU DO NOT NEED TO CITE:

• Your thoughts and your interpretations
• Common knowledge​

FOR MORE HELP WITH WRITING AND USING SOURCES

More Examples of MLA In-Text Citations