UNST On Demoncracy: Cite Sources

When you use someone else's word, ideas, or images in your writing, you need to give them proper credit.  Providing a citation or reference enables others to locate these sources too.  

We cite to:                                                                                                                                    

• Avoid plagiarism - give credit where credit is due
• Allow our reader to follow up on points that interest them
• Give our writing more credibility
• Help our reader see how we came to our conclusion

You should cite when you:

• Use a direct quote
• Make a claim that might be challenged/questioned
• Paraphrase the ideas of another person
• Offer an expert opinion

Watch this 4 minute video from York St John University about understanding plagiarism

Test your knowledge with this quiz from  Stephen Bailey's Academic Writing for International Students (Routledge 2011) and receive instant feedback: