Citations: An Overview

What are citations and why do we use them?

Citations are a critical part of academic writing and research. They are used to give credit to the original authors of ideas, data, or words that you include in your work. Citations strengthen your arguments by showing that your ideas re backed by reliable evidence from reputable sources. They also demonstrate your integrity as a writer by acknowledging the contribution of others, which also avoids plagiarism - a serious violation of academic integrity. Understanding how and when to use citations is an essential skill for academic and professional success.

Citation basics: in-text citations vs. reference list

In-text citations and a reference list, or works cited page, are two essential components of proper citation practices in academic writing. They work together to give credit to the author of your source material and guide readers to the full source details.

In-text Citations

In-text citations appear in the body of the text, directly alongside the referenced material. In-text citations are required any time you reference information from an outside source in your essay.

Reference List/Works Cited Page

An in-text citation is a shortened version of the full source citation listed in the reference list or works cited page, which is a complete list of all sources used in the paper. The reference list or works cited page will be included as a separate page at the end of the document.

Remember that the exact information included in these citations, as well as their formatting, will vary depending on the citation style being used. TEL courses focus on two main styles: APA and MLA. Both styles are covered in more depth in this guide. Be sure to check your course to determine which style is required for your assignments.

Take a look at the 2 minute video below for a quick, general overview:

Resources

Purdue Owl - MLA Style Guide
- A reliable, in-depth explanation of MLA Style citations, including examples.
APA Style Guide
- The official resource for APA style.
Where to Find Citation Information
- A brief overview of where most citation information can be found on a standard webpage.
Citation Generator
- Although citation generators aren't always accurate, they can be a great way to check your work when you're learning about how to adhere to style guides

Overview of Citations