Skip to Main Content

Writing - Writing & Citing Workshop: Citation Tips

Writing and Citing Tips

  1. Are you using a quotation? CITE YOUR SOURCE!
  2. Are you paraphrasing material? CITE YOUR SOURCE!
  3. Are you using your original idea?  NO NEED TO CITE!

  1. The Bible
    • Only include the Bible in your bibliography if you are using critical or introductory material from that specific publication
  2. Print and online newspapers
  3. Unpublished interviews with or without a transcript
  4. Unpublished correspondence (emails, texts, etc.)
  5. Blog entries and comments
  6. Social networking services (Facebook posts and tweets)
  7. Artwork, including photographs
  8. Videos and podcasts

A bibliography can include everything you cited or everything you consulted.

Ask your instructor which type of bibliography they prefer for your assignment.

If your bibliography includes everything you consulted, you may list items in your bibliography that do not appear in footnotes in the body of your paper.

  1. Weaving quotations into your text
    • Vary your sentence structure when incorporating quotes to minimize a mechanical or repetitive feeling in your writing
      • According to Smith, "xyz."
      • Smith states that in the current academic climate "xyz" may become important to students.
      • John Smith proposes a different, more controversial interpretation.  Regarding this passage, he argues that "xyz."
      • While many scholars disagree, Smith stands by his claim: "xyz."
  2. Using block quotations
    • Block your quote if it extends past 3 lines of text in the body of your paper
    • Block quotes should be single spaced with a 1/2" indent on both right and left
    • Don't overuse block quotations; if the quote is longer than 3 lines, evaluate the quoted material to make sure it is essential to your argument