When writing a research paper, it is important to cite any sources that you have consulted in your research. Acknowledge any ideas, information or arguments of others, whether they are directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized. Citing sources gives credit to authors for the works you used, provides evidence to make your argument strong and enables the reader to check your sources. Failure to do so may be construed as plagiarism. Plagiarism is the presentation of the ideas of others as one’s own and is a serious academic offence.
Citation information must appear in two places.
- First, it must appear in the text of your paper at the point where the borrowed fact or idea appears. These are known as in-text citations.
- Secondly, you are required to include a complete list of sources at the end of the paper. These will appear in your Works Cited list.
