MLA (Modern Language Association) style, which is mostly used in texts surrounding literature, languages, and art. [2] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source APA (American Psychological Association) style, which is mostly used in texts about social and behavioral sciences. [3] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source Chicago style, frequently used in historical writing. [4] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source CSE (Council of Science Editors) style, sometimes used in science-based texts. [5] X Research source
Books Specific chapters of a book Journal articles Figures Websites Manuals Instructor’s lectures Online books Historical documents Films
The author’s first and last name, or the full names of all contributors to a work with multiple authors The title of the material cited. The date of publication, in full or just the year. The physical or online place of publication.
For instance, write: “As Smith said in his 1996 book, The Environment and Our Youth:‘The habits of young people will dictate hope our planet fares in the future. ‘”
The author’s name and page number of the material quoted, in parentheses after you refer to it. The author’s name and the date that the work was published. Superscript numbers next to the idea that was paraphrased, summarized, or quoted.
The way the sentences are constructed in the source text. The source’s vocabulary, by swapping as many words as possible with synonyms. The tone of the writing so that it is clear that you are writing in your own words.
Do not use quotation marks to summarize source material.
For example, if you state something like, “environmental studies is arguably the most pressing subject for young students to learn about”, you should cite an article you read about that topic the week before which makes the same argument.
Citing sources right away will remove the stress of having to organize your references at the end of your writing process, which may make it stressful to meet your deadline.
In an academic setting, you will usually have to write your own work without collaborating with other students.
Never re-submit or re-purpose a full text for a new writing assignment.
For example, if you quote a writer who refers to a Freudian concept, do not copy their in-text citation for the Freud publication or include Freud in your “works cited” list.
Free and paid plagiarism-check software is available online. Using this type of software may give writers a false sense of security, making them more prone to plagiarize inadvertently.
