Writing Courses

Cite Your Sources

What does it mean to "cite" a source?
It means that you show, within the body of your text and at the end of your paper, that you took the words/ideas/figures from another place.

How do I cite sources?
Consult an appropriate style manual for examples.

• Many style manuals are available in the MIT Libraries and online via the Mayfield Handbook (MIT only).

You must also include a complete list of sources (bibliography) at the end of your paper. This is not only to show your reader you have done your research, but to provide the reader with other sources in case s/he wants to read more on the subject. Again, this must be done according to established MLA or APA [or other style] rules.

• MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
Humanities Library Ready Reference LB2369.G53 2003

• See the Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing for examples of various citation styles. [MIT only]

• The MIT Writing Center can guide you through the writing and citing process.

• See Style/Usage manuals page for links to on-line guides.

• The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University can be helpful.

This page was last updated on Thursday, 16-Jul-2009 08:02:33 EDT