Citation Tips
Basic Citation Tips
- a citation style is meant to help someone else find that resource
- different subjects, like psychology versus English, may use different styles
- citations provide evidence and support of your argument, thesis, or topic
- everything that isn't common knowledge to someone studying the topic must be cited
- using a citation manager, like MyBib, is recommended to collect and organize citations
Help Me Build a Citation
Build your own citation by using MLA's interactive practice template. Type in the information you know about the source, and see the resulting citation, in real time, form at the top of the page.
What are the Parts of a Citation?
MLA Citation
- Parts of an MLA Citation
![[opening title screen of Parts of an MLA Citation]](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/207308/images/parts.PNG)
This visual representation of an MLA citation and what the parts mean was created by librarian Hubi Smith.
KCTCS Student Handbook: Policies on Plagiarism and Cheating
- KCTCS Code of Student Conduct and Plagiarism
As written in Article II: Standards of Conduct, KCTCS students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity and to support a campus environment that is conducive to learning and scholarship, including avoiding plagiarism.
Owl Purdue
- Owl Purdue
Remember owls are said to be wise so if you get stuck you can always consult Owl Purdue on any citation styles you are required to use.
Writing a Citation (Paragraph)
Zebras are iconic African mammals. There are
two distinct species of zebras ("Horses and Zebras" 11),
with large herds roaming the African continent.
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You don't cite "iconic African mammals" -- these are your words to paint a picture for the reader
-
You cite the idea that there are two distinct species because not everyone knows it, found on page 11 of the document
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You don't cite "large herds roaming the African continent," because this is a general statement of common knowledge