Why do we cite sources?

When you do research and use the work of others, you must “cite your sources.” To not state where the information came from, and use the work of others as your own, is plagiarism. Plagiarism is cheating, so be very careful about citing your sources.

How to Cite Sources

Use MLA (The Modern Language Association) Handbook to cite sources. We use MLA so everyone cites their sources the standard way. This standard method for source citation helps everyone trace the sources used. MLA citations are used in middle school, high school, and college, so is important to understand how to do this now.

How to Record and Create Citations

The Record Your Source document is one you can use to make sure you have the information you need to cite your sources. When collecting information, record all the information about the book, article, or web page at the time you use it. Don’t wait to gather citation information until you have completed the paper.

Once your citation details are recorded input the citation information into a citation generator:

MLA Citation Generator

Different sources require different pieces of information. Remember, citation information is necessary for your teacher or others to go back and pull any of your sources, so complete the Record Your Sources document as thoroughly as you can.

Creating a Works Cited Page

Once all your citations are formatted, you can either write them or copy and paste them from the citation generator into your Works Cited Page. Arrange the citations in alphabetical order by the Last Name of the Author, Creator, or Sponsoring Organization. Make sure you follow the guidelines for formatting the margins, spacing, and indentations as laid out by the teacher.

Rowley, Hazel. Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage. New York: Farrar, 2010. Kindle file.