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College Composition / Unit 22   CMP 0535 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Checking a Source's Documentation

Captions available

The idea

A trustworthy source documents its own sources thoroughly enough that readers could find and check them.

In practice

Red flags include heavy reliance on one or two sources, many anonymous sources, outdated references, or missing citations for data and quotations.

Where people slip

Popular magazines often name sources in the text instead of a bibliography; check whether your instructor accepts such sources.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it  ·  Sources for College Composition