When you include information in a paper that is not your own, you have to tell where you found the information and give credit to the person whose information you are using. This is called "citing your source". These sources are listed at the end of your paper on the "Works Cited" page. These citations have to follow a certain form. Your teacher will tell you what "style" they want your citations in. These styles include "MLA", "Chicago", and "APA" among others. The most common style is "MLA". Here is a link from Ohio State University to help you understand and use "MLA".
HOLD THE PHONE! There is an easier way to quickly write those pesky citations......use "Citation Machine"! It's fun and really easy to use. Copy the directions below and then click on the following link:
http://citationmachine.net/Choose which style you need to use on the left part of the page
Choose what type of source you need to cite
Fill in all the information for your source
Click submit
Copy and paste the finished citation onto your "Works Cited" page. Make sure the citations are in alphabetical order.
