Examples of citing properly

When and What to Cite

You should cite when

  • you are directly quoting.
  • you are summarizing and paraphrasing.
  • you are writing something that is highly debatable.

Basically, you need to cite all kinds of information including articles, books, websites, tweets,  images, videos, and any idea not originated from you, unless it's common knowledge.

 

Examples

Direct Quotation

Every direct quotation must be identified by quotation marks, by appropriate indentation or by other means of identification and must be promptly cited in a footnote. 

Example:

  • Original Text: And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
  • Your Text: In The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry says, “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

 

Paraphrase

Prompt acknowledgment is required when material from another source is paraphrased or summarized in whole or in part in your own words. 

Example: 

  • Original Text: And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
  • Your Text: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry emphasizes in The Little Prince the importance of seeing through the obvious and understanding the essential truth of things with one's heart.

 

Borrowed Facts or Information

Information obtained in one’s reading or research that is not common knowledge among students in the course must be acknowledged. Examples of common knowledge might include the names of leaders of prominent nations, basic scientific laws, etc.

Example:

 

Images, Videos, and other Non-textual Information

Remember, you need to cite images, videos, and other non-textual information that are not created by you too! Check out our guides on different citation styles and tools.

 

Tricks

 

 

 

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