How to cite correct sources
When it comes to writing a essay, journal, article, etc. we tend to use other references or sources that help us gain the information we are discussing thoroughly, right?
Citing sources helps us identify how important our ideas we are choosing to write about are when mentioning the author with an introducing citation. There are many different ways and forms of citation. For example, when writing an English paper vs. a lab report for science, I would use a different form of citation.
But most importantly, you are here to learn how valuable and serious it is to cite sources. It is easier to ask your instructor how they would like for you to cite the right way for your paper by saying, “What style of citation do you require?” while trying to write a paper.
*IDENTIFYING SOURCES IN THE BODY OF PAPERS*
If citing a source, it is always best to include the author, type of genre, book, article, song, web page, etc. One of the main keys is to summarize all of the key facts relevant to your work. For example, the author and work should be put before the quotation:
Barbara Parks, in her book Junie B. Jones, states the main characters famous line “My name is Junie B. Jones. The B stands for Beatrice. I just like B and that’s all.”
If you do not know anything about the author of their work you chose to cite, then it shouldn’t be mentioned again. It’s always good to double check the source and see why you believe it is worth citing.
*QUOTING SOURCES*
In order to quote a source you must take the exact words from the first source for it to be called quoting. When paraphrasing, make sure to still cite them and that they are accurate. Most times you will have to fit the format of the quotes to fit your paper. If you do change the quote’s original words, then you must state so. It is not right to change the word’s of an author’s quote and then claim them to have said it when they did not.
CHECK THE LISTING REFERENCES*
There can be Bibliographies, Annotated Bibliography, Footnotes, and Endnotes.
The Bibliography should include
- the author’s name
- title of work
- dates of copies published
- number of page sources
- names of companies and locations
Citing for sources doesn’t have to be hard. Quote your sources, use these tips, and most importantly don’t forget to quote your sources.
