College Composition / Unit 24 CMP 0580 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Why Cite
Captions available
The idea
Citing sources gives credit to their creators, lets readers find and check the evidence, and builds the writer's credibility.
In practice
Every documentation system shares one principle: when you borrow words, facts or ideas, you indicate that they are borrowed and where they came from.
Where people slip
A well-cited paper looks more credible, not less original, because the writer's own contribution stands out.
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