cite presentation from website

How to Cite a Website in a PowerPoint Presentation Apa

Giving credit to sources used in a PowerPoint presentation is essential to provide proof of the information presented. It also gives credit to the original source and makes it easy for the audience to investigate and learn more. Proper citation of sources used in PowerPoint presentations is crucial, and APA citation style is one of the most commonly used citation styles. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to cite a website in a PowerPoint presentation APA.

Table of Contents

Why citing sources is important in PowerPoint presentations

Citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is critical because it helps to establish credibility and provides the audience with accurate and verifiable information. It also enables the audience to research further and ensures the original source of information receives proper credit. Additionally, failure to cite sources appropriately may lead to plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.

Another reason why citing sources is important in PowerPoint presentations is that it shows respect for the work of others. By acknowledging the sources of information used in the presentation, you are demonstrating that you have done your research and are not simply presenting someone else’s work as your own. This can help to build trust with your audience and establish you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy presenter.

Furthermore, citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation can also help to avoid legal issues. Using someone else’s work without permission or proper attribution can result in copyright infringement, which can lead to legal action. By citing sources appropriately, you can avoid these legal issues and ensure that you are using information in a responsible and ethical manner.

Understanding APA citation style

APA citation style is a set of rules developed by the American Psychological Association to standardize the citation of sources in academic writing, including PowerPoint presentations. It includes guidelines for formatting citations and references and covers various types of sources, such as books, journals, websites, and others.

One of the key features of APA citation style is the use of in-text citations, which are brief references to sources within the body of the text. These citations typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication, and they help readers locate the full reference in the list of references at the end of the document. In addition to in-text citations, APA style also requires a reference list at the end of the document, which provides detailed information about each source cited in the text. By following these guidelines, writers can ensure that their sources are properly credited and their work is more easily understood and verified by others.

What information do you need to cite a website in APA format?

The following information is necessary when citing a website in APA format:

• Author’s last name and first initial(s)
• Year the website was published or updated
• Title of the webpage
• Website name
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

It is important to note that if the website does not have a publication or update date, you should include the date you accessed the website. Additionally, if the website is an online version of a print publication, you should include the publication information for the print version as well.

Steps to follow when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation Apa

Here are the steps to follow when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation APA:

• Start with the author’s last name and first initial(s).
• Follow the author’s name with the year the website was published or updated in parenthesis.
• After the date, add the title of the webpage, followed by a period.
• Add the name of the website in italics, followed by a period.
• Finally, add the URL of the website.

It is important to note that when citing a website in a PowerPoint presentation, you should also include the date you accessed the website. This is because websites can be updated or removed, and including the date of access helps ensure that your audience can find the information you are citing. You can add the date of access at the end of the citation, after the URL, in the format of “Retrieved Month Day, Year, from [URL]”.

Tips for formatting your citation correctly

To format your citation correctly, ensure that you do the following:

• Use proper capitalization in the title and name of the website.
• Italicize the name of the website.
• Use a hanging indent for the second and subsequent lines of your citation.

Additionally, it is important to include the date of access for online sources, as the content may change over time. This information should be included at the end of your citation, following the format of “Accessed [Month Day, Year].”

How to avoid plagiarism when creating a PowerPoint presentation

To avoid plagiarism in PowerPoint presentations, always cite your sources properly. Additionally, try to paraphrase information rather than copying it verbatim. Another crucial tip is to ensure you include all sources used in creating the presentation in your reference list.

It is also important to note that images and graphics used in your PowerPoint presentation should also be properly cited. If you are using an image or graphic that you did not create, make sure to give credit to the original source. This can be done by including a caption or citation directly on the image or in the notes section of the slide. By properly citing all sources, including images and graphics, you can ensure that your presentation is not only plagiarism-free but also ethically sound.

Examples of how to cite different types of websites in Apa format

Here are examples of how to cite different types of websites in APA format:

• Online Journal Article: Author, A.A. (Year). Title of paper. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page number(s). URL
• Website: Author, A.A. (Year). Title of webpage. Name of Website. Retrieved from URL
• Blog post: Author, A.A. (Year, Month Day). Title of post [Blog post]. Retrieved from URL

It is important to note that when citing websites in APA format, it is necessary to include the date of access. This is because websites can be updated or removed, and including the date of access ensures that the reader can locate the information you used. The date of access should be formatted as follows: (Accessed Month Day, Year).

Common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations

Some of the common mistakes to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations include failing to cite your sources properly, failing to include all sources used in your reference list, and copying information from a source without proper attribution.

Another common mistake to avoid when citing sources in PowerPoint presentations is using too many direct quotes. While direct quotes can be useful in emphasizing a point, they should be used sparingly. Instead, try to paraphrase the information in your own words and cite the source appropriately. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the sources you are citing are credible and reliable. Avoid using sources that are biased or lack authority in the subject matter.

Best practices for citing sources in PowerPoint presentations

Here are some best practices for citing sources in PowerPoint presentations:

• Cite all sources used in creating your presentation.
• Ensure your citations and references are formatted correctly according to APA style guidelines.
• Make sure your reference list is complete and includes all sources used in creating your presentation.
• Paraphrase information rather than copying it verbatim.
• Ensure your citations are visible and easy to read in your presentation.

It is also important to consider the credibility of your sources when citing them in your PowerPoint presentation. Make sure to use reputable sources, such as peer-reviewed articles or books from established publishers. Additionally, consider the date of publication and relevance of the source to your presentation topic. Using outdated or irrelevant sources can weaken the credibility of your presentation.

Tools and resources for generating citations and references in Apa format

Several tools and resources are available to help generate citations and references in APA format. These include:

• Citation generators such as Citation Machine, EasyBib, and Cite This For Me.
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
• APA Style Central.

While citation generators can be a helpful tool, it is important to double-check the accuracy of the generated citations. Sometimes, the generator may not correctly identify the source type or may miss important information. It is always a good idea to consult the APA manual or the Purdue OWL for guidance.

In addition to these resources, many universities and libraries offer workshops or online tutorials on APA formatting. These can be a great way to learn more about the intricacies of APA style and ensure that your citations and references are accurate and complete.

Frequently asked questions about citing websites in Apa format for PowerPoint presentations

• Can I use footnotes to cite sources in PowerPoint presentations? It is not recommended to use footnotes in PowerPoint presentations as they can be distracting and take up valuable space on your slides.
• What if the website does not have an author listed? If the website does not have an author listed, use the organization’s name as the author in your citation.
• How do I cite a webpage with no date listed? If the website does not have a date listed, use the abbreviation n.d. (no date) in your citation.
• Where do I include my citations on my PowerPoint slides? It is recommended to include your citations on your slides in the speaker notes section or at the bottom of the slide.

In conclusion, properly citing sources in a PowerPoint presentation is crucial to establish credibility and give credit where it’s due. APA citation style is one of the most commonly used citation styles, and knowing how to cite a website in APA format is essential for any presentation. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and always use proper formatting to avoid plagiarism and ensure your presentation is of the highest quality.

Another important aspect to consider when citing websites in APA format for PowerPoint presentations is the use of in-text citations. In-text citations are used to give credit to sources within the body of your presentation. When citing a website in APA format, include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence where the information was used.

It is also important to note that when citing a website in APA format, you should include the full URL of the webpage in your citation. This allows your audience to easily access the source and verify the information you have presented. Additionally, be sure to double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency throughout your presentation.

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Conference Presentation References

This page contains reference examples for works presented at conferences and meetings, including the following:

• Conference presentation
• Abstract of a conference presentation

1. Conference presentation

Evans, A. C., Jr., Garbarino, J., Bocanegra, E., Kinscherff, R. T., & Márquez-Greene, N. (2019, August 8–11). Gun violence: An event on the power of community [Conference presentation]. APA 2019 Convention, Chicago, IL, United States. https://convention.apa.org/2019-video

• Parenthetical citation : (Evans et al., 2019)
• Narrative citation : Evans et al. (2019)
• Provide the names of the presenters in the author element of the reference.
• Provide the full dates of the conference in the date element of the reference.
• Describe the presentation in square brackets after the title. The description is flexible (e.g., “[Conference session],” “[Paper presentation],” “[Poster session],” “[Keynote address]”).
• Provide the name of the conference or meeting and its location in the source element of the reference.
• If video of the conference presentation is available, include a link at the end of the reference.

2. Abstract of a conference presentation

Cacioppo, S. (2019, April 25–28). Evolutionary theory of social connections: Past, present, and future [Conference presentation abstract]. Ninety-ninth annual convention of the Western Psychological Association, Pasadena, CA, United States. https://westernpsych.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/WPA-Program-2019-Final-2.pdf

• Parenthetical citation : (Cacioppo, 2019)
• Narrative citation : Cacioppo (2019)
• To cite only the abstract of a conference presentation, include the word “abstract” as part of the bracketed description (e.g., “[Conference presentation abstract]”).

Conference presentation references are covered in the seventh edition Publication Manual Section 10.5

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APA Citation Guide (7th Edition): Websites and Webpages

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• Journal, Magazine and Newspaper Articles
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• Websites and Webpages
• In-Text Citation
• Reference List and Sample Papers
• Annotated Bibliography
• Citation Software

Website or Webpage?

A website is a collection of webpages that are under one domain. One website will have several webpages like Home, About Us, Contact Us, Services, Products, etc. All of these pages together make up a website. In other words, a webpage is an independent page of a website. 

If you simply mention a whole website it is not necessary to create a reference list entry. Name the website in the text of your paper and provide the URL in parentheses.

• Use the webpage and website category for your source  only if there is no better category for it . Do not use it if a source is simply available online, e.g., if a journal article is available from an online database, use a journal article format for your reference.
• Some information, (e.g., author, date), might not always be obvious on websites or webpages. Sometimes it may be necessary to check places such as the "About Us", the "Copyright" or the "Acknowledgements" page(s).
• Do not use any punctuation at the end of URLs as punctuation could interfere with the link.
• If the author of the website is the same as the name of the website, omit the website name.
• Retrieval date is normally not necessary unless the content is likely to change and the page is not archived, e.g., a Wikipedia entry. The format is: Retrieved February 1, 2020 from https://xxxxxxx

Webpage on a Website with an Individual Author

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date). Title of work . Site Name. URL

Picheta, R. (2020, July 1). This new high-tech glove translates sign language into speech in real time . CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/30/health/sign-langage-glove-ucla-scn-scli-intl/index.html

Webpage on a Website with a Group Author

Name of Corporation/Group/Organization. (Date).  Title of work . Site Name. URL

World Health Organization. (2020, June 29). Timeline of WHO's response to COVID-19 . https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-06-2020-covidtimeline 

Note : When the author and site name are the same, omit the site name from the source element.

Webpage on a Website with No Date

Author or Group Name. (n.d.). Title of page . Site name. URL

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health conditions . https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions

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APA Website Citation

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Website Book Journal Other

←Back to APA Citation Examples

Use the following template to cite a website using the APA citation format. There are also BibMe style guides for the MLA and Chicago styles.

Here’s a table of contents for this guide:

• Cite a website on BibMe citation generator
• Cite a website article with an author
• Cite a website article without an author
• Cite a website article without a date

How to Cite a Website in APA

Cite in websites in apa automatically with bibme.

To have your bibliography or works cited list automatically made for you, check out our free APA citation generator . Once you’re finished with your citations, you can also find help with creating an APA title page .

Citing a general website article in APA with an author

Author, A. (Year, Month Date of Publication). Article title . Website/Publisher Name. URL

Simmons, B. (2015, January 9). The tale of two Flaccos . Grantland. http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-tale-of-two-flaccos/

Citing a general website article in APA without an author

Article title . (Year, Month Date of Publication). Website/Publisher Name. URL

Teen posed as doctor at West Palm Beach hospital: police . (2015, January 16). NBC Miami. http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Teen-Posed-as-Doctor-at-West-Palm-Beach-Hospital-Police-288810831.html

Citing a general website article in APA without a date

Author, A. (n.d.). Article title . Website/Publisher Name. URL

University of California Santa Barbara. (n.d.). About UC Santa Barbara . UC Santa Barbara. https://www.ucsb.edu/about

Note that if the webpage contents are likely to change, include a retrieval date, formatted as follows:

University of California Santa Barbara. (n.d.). About UC Santa Barbara . UC Santa Barbara. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://www.ucsb.edu/about

How to cite from social media in APA

Apa citation example for facebook.

Author/Page Name. (Year, Month Date). First 20 words of post text [Status update]. Facebook. URL

Gates, B. (2020, December 1). 75 years after its founding, the United Nations’ work is as important as ever. In addition to working towards the [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BillGates/posts/10157610753046961

APA citation example for Twitter

Author name [@twitterhandle]. (Year, Month Date). First 20 words of tweet text [Tweet]. Twitter. URL

 World Health Organization [@WHO]. (2021, January 27). Nutritious & safe food is 🔑 to achieve #HealthForAll. Together, let’s create food systems that are: 🥗 Healthy ♻️ Sustainable [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1354450281321345029

Note that if emojis are used in a tweet (or any type of social media post that you are citing), they should be included and counted as one word (but should not be italicized). Hashtags also count as one word.

APA citation example for Instagram

Author name [@username]. (Year, Month Date). First 20 words of post text [Photograph or Video]. Instagram. URL

National Geographic [@NatGeo]. (2021, January 26). Photo by @paulnicklen / I took this photo while waiting for leopard seals in Antarctica—my favorite assignment from 20 years [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKg4XeSDHhG/

For more information on how to cite in APA, check out the APA style guide and  Cornell .

Important Note:

For information on how to cite other types of online sources in APA, check out the following guides:

• Online Book
• Online Magazine
• Online Newspaper
• Online Journal
• Online Encyclopedia

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When there is no date available for a webpage, use “n.d.” signifying “no date” in in-text citations, along with the author’s surname or the name of the institution.

Example in-text citation with author and no date:

(Ramsay, n.d.)

Example in-text citation with institution and no date:

(NIMH, n.d.)

Per section 10 of the APA Publication Manual , the contributor’s name (either the individual or the organization who shared the Instagram post) along with the year should be used when citing an Instagram post in an in-text citation.

Parenthetical: (Poster’s Last Name, year post was published)

Narrative: Poster’s Last Name (year post was published)

Parenthetical: (Vedika, 2022)

Narrative: Vedika (2022)

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Cite a Website in MLA

Don't let plagiarism errors spoil your paper, citing a website in mla, how to create an mla website citation:.

When citing a website, you’re often actually citing a specific page on a website. You’re not actually citing the entire website.

Here is the most common way to cite a page on a website:

• Start the citation with the name of the author who wrote the information on the page. If there isn’t an author listed, do not include this information in the citation. Start the citation with the title.
• The title of the individual page is placed in quotation marks, followed by a period.
• Next, place the name of the website in italics, followed by a comma.
• If the name of the publisher matches the name of the author or the name of the title, do not include the publisher’s information in the citation.
• The date the page or website was published comes next.
• End the citation with the URL or DOI. When including the URL, copy the URL directly from the address bar or link in your browser window.

Last name, First name of author. “Title of Web Page.” Title of Website , Publisher, Date published, URL.

Rothfeld, Lindsay. “Smarter Education: The Rise of Big Data in the Classroom.” Mashable, 3 Sept. 2014, mashable.com/2014/09/03/education-data-video/#hViqdPbFbgqH.

You can usually leave out http:// or https:// from URLs unless you want to hyperlink them. For DOIs, use http:// or https:// before the DOI: https://doi.org/xx.xxxx/xxx.xxxx.xxxx.

If you’re still confused and feeling the urge to type “How to cite a website MLA” into Google, try out our free generator at the top of this page. Our citation generator MLA site is easy to use!

Social media:

If the user’s handle and real name are similar, you may include the real name and leave out the handle as long as a URL is also included. If the user’s real name and handle are different, include the hand in brackets after the real name.

Gates, Melinda. “Today, Bill and I were deeply humbled to accept France’s Legion of Honour award on behalf of all our foundation’s partners and grantees.” Twitter, 21 Apr. 2017, twitter.com/melindagates/status/855535625713459200.

Sandler, Adam. “California Strong celebrity softball game this Sunday at Pepperdine. All proceeds go to the victims of the wildfires and shooting in Thousand Oaks.” Facebook, 11 Jan. 2019, www.facebook.com/Sandler/.

Mizuhara, Kiko [@I_am_kiko]. “@vivi_mag_official shot by my sis @ashley_yuka.” Instagram, 25 June 2020, www.instagram.com/p/CB27SYahBpo.

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Free APA Citation Generator

Generate citations in APA format quickly and automatically, with MyBib!

🤔 What is an APA Citation Generator?

An APA citation generator is a software tool that will automatically format academic citations in the American Psychological Association (APA) style.

It will usually request vital details about a source -- like the authors, title, and publish date -- and will output these details with the correct punctuation and layout required by the official APA style guide.

Formatted citations created by a generator can be copied into the bibliography of an academic paper as a way to give credit to the sources referenced in the main body of the paper.

👩‍🎓 Who uses an APA Citation Generator?

College-level and post-graduate students are most likely to use an APA citation generator, because APA style is the most favored style at these learning levels. Before college, in middle and high school, MLA style is more likely to be used. In other parts of the world styles such as Harvard (UK and Australia) and DIN 1505 (Europe) are used more often.

🙌 Why should I use a Citation Generator?

Like almost every other citation style, APA style can be cryptic and hard to understand when formatting citations. Citations can take an unreasonable amount of time to format manually, and it is easy to accidentally include errors. By using a citation generator to do this work you will:

• Save a considerable amount of time
• Ensure that your citations are consistent and formatted correctly
• Be rewarded with a higher grade

In academia, bibliographies are graded on their accuracy against the official APA rulebook, so it is important for students to ensure their citations are formatted correctly. Special attention should also be given to ensure the entire document (including main body) is structured according to the APA guidelines. Our complete APA format guide has everything you need know to make sure you get it right (including examples and diagrams).

⚙️ How do I use MyBib's APA Citation Generator?

Our APA generator was built with a focus on simplicity and speed. To generate a formatted reference list or bibliography just follow these steps:

• Start by searching for the source you want to cite in the search box at the top of the page.
• MyBib will automatically locate all the required information. If any is missing you can add it yourself.
• Your citation will be generated correctly with the information provided and added to your bibliography.
• Repeat for each citation, then download the formatted list and append it to the end of your paper.

MyBib supports the following for APA style:

Daniel is a qualified librarian, former teacher, and citation expert. He has been contributing to MyBib since 2018.

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / How to Cite Sources

How to Cite Sources

Here is a complete list for how to cite sources. Most of these guides present citation guidance and examples in MLA, APA, and Chicago.

If you’re looking for general information on MLA or APA citations , the EasyBib Writing Center was designed for you! It has articles on what’s needed in an MLA in-text citation , how to format an APA paper, what an MLA annotated bibliography is, making an MLA works cited page, and much more!

MLA Format Citation Examples

The Modern Language Association created the MLA Style, currently in its 9th edition, to provide researchers with guidelines for writing and documenting scholarly borrowings.  Most often used in the humanities, MLA style (or MLA format ) has been adopted and used by numerous other disciplines, in multiple parts of the world.

MLA provides standard rules to follow so that most research papers are formatted in a similar manner. This makes it easier for readers to comprehend the information. The MLA in-text citation guidelines, MLA works cited standards, and MLA annotated bibliography instructions provide scholars with the information they need to properly cite sources in their research papers, articles, and assignments.

• Book Chapter
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• Museum Exhibit
• Painting or Artwork
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Sheet Music
• Thesis or Dissertation
• YouTube Video

APA Format Citation Examples

The American Psychological Association created the APA citation style in 1929 as a way to help psychologists, anthropologists, and even business managers establish one common way to cite sources and present content.

APA is used when citing sources for academic articles such as journals, and is intended to help readers better comprehend content, and to avoid language bias wherever possible. The APA style (or APA format ) is now in its 7th edition, and provides citation style guides for virtually any type of resource.

Chicago Style Citation Examples

The Chicago/Turabian style of citing sources is generally used when citing sources for humanities papers, and is best known for its requirement that writers place bibliographic citations at the bottom of a page (in Chicago-format footnotes ) or at the end of a paper (endnotes).

The Turabian and Chicago citation styles are almost identical, but the Turabian style is geared towards student published papers such as theses and dissertations, while the Chicago style provides guidelines for all types of publications. This is why you’ll commonly see Chicago style and Turabian style presented together. The Chicago Manual of Style is currently in its 17th edition, and Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations is in its 8th edition.

Citing Specific Sources or Events

• Declaration of Independence
• Gettysburg Address
• Martin Luther King Jr. Speech
• President Obama’s Farewell Address
• President Trump’s Inauguration Speech
• White House Press Briefing

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• Citing Archived Contributors
• Citing a Blog
• Citing a Book Chapter
• Citing a Source in a Foreign Language
• Citing an Image
• Citing a Song
• Citing Special Contributors
• Citing a Translated Article
• Citing a Tweet

6 Interesting Citation Facts

The world of citations may seem cut and dry, but there’s more to them than just specific capitalization rules, MLA in-text citations , and other formatting specifications. Citations have been helping researches document their sources for hundreds of years, and are a great way to learn more about a particular subject area.

Ever wonder what sets all the different styles apart, or how they came to be in the first place? Read on for some interesting facts about citations!

1. There are Over 7,000 Different Citation Styles

You may be familiar with MLA and APA citation styles, but there are actually thousands of citation styles used for all different academic disciplines all across the world. Deciding which one to use can be difficult, so be sure to ask you instructor which one you should be using for your next paper.

2. Some Citation Styles are Named After People

While a majority of citation styles are named for the specific organizations that publish them (i.e. APA is published by the American Psychological Association, and MLA format is named for the Modern Language Association), some are actually named after individuals. The most well-known example of this is perhaps Turabian style, named for Kate L. Turabian, an American educator and writer. She developed this style as a condensed version of the Chicago Manual of Style in order to present a more concise set of rules to students.

3. There are Some Really Specific and Uniquely Named Citation Styles

How specific can citation styles get? The answer is very. For example, the “Flavour and Fragrance Journal” style is based on a bimonthly, peer-reviewed scientific journal published since 1985 by John Wiley & Sons. It publishes original research articles, reviews and special reports on all aspects of flavor and fragrance. Another example is “Nordic Pulp and Paper Research,” a style used by an international scientific magazine covering science and technology for the areas of wood or bio-mass constituents.

4. More citations were created on  EasyBib.com  in the first quarter of 2018 than there are people in California.

The US Census Bureau estimates that approximately 39.5 million people live in the state of California. Meanwhile, about 43 million citations were made on EasyBib from January to March of 2018. That’s a lot of citations.

5. “Citations” is a Word With a Long History

The word “citations” can be traced back literally thousands of years to the Latin word “citare” meaning “to summon, urge, call; put in sudden motion, call forward; rouse, excite.” The word then took on its more modern meaning and relevance to writing papers in the 1600s, where it became known as the “act of citing or quoting a passage from a book, etc.”

6. Citation Styles are Always Changing

The concept of citations always stays the same. It is a means of preventing plagiarism and demonstrating where you relied on outside sources. The specific style rules, however, can and do change regularly. For example, in 2018 alone, 46 new citation styles were introduced , and 106 updates were made to exiting styles. At EasyBib, we are always on the lookout for ways to improve our styles and opportunities to add new ones to our list.

Why Citations Matter

Here are the ways accurate citations can help your students achieve academic success, and how you can answer the dreaded question, “why should I cite my sources?”

They Give Credit to the Right People

Citing their sources makes sure that the reader can differentiate the student’s original thoughts from those of other researchers. Not only does this make sure that the sources they use receive proper credit for their work, it ensures that the student receives deserved recognition for their unique contributions to the topic. Whether the student is citing in MLA format , APA format , or any other style, citations serve as a natural way to place a student’s work in the broader context of the subject area, and serve as an easy way to gauge their commitment to the project.

They Provide Hard Evidence of Ideas

Having many citations from a wide variety of sources related to their idea means that the student is working on a well-researched and respected subject. Citing sources that back up their claim creates room for fact-checking and further research . And, if they can cite a few sources that have the converse opinion or idea, and then demonstrate to the reader why they believe that that viewpoint is wrong by again citing credible sources, the student is well on their way to winning over the reader and cementing their point of view.

They Promote Originality and Prevent Plagiarism

The point of research projects is not to regurgitate information that can already be found elsewhere. We have Google for that! What the student’s project should aim to do is promote an original idea or a spin on an existing idea, and use reliable sources to promote that idea. Copying or directly referencing a source without proper citation can lead to not only a poor grade, but accusations of academic dishonesty. By citing their sources regularly and accurately, students can easily avoid the trap of plagiarism , and promote further research on their topic.

They Create Better Researchers

By researching sources to back up and promote their ideas, students are becoming better researchers without even knowing it! Each time a new source is read or researched, the student is becoming more engaged with the project and is developing a deeper understanding of the subject area. Proper citations demonstrate a breadth of the student’s reading and dedication to the project itself. By creating citations, students are compelled to make connections between their sources and discern research patterns. Each time they complete this process, they are helping themselves become better researchers and writers overall.

When is the Right Time to Start Making Citations?

Make in-text/parenthetical citations as you need them.

As you are writing your paper, be sure to include references within the text that correspond with references in a works cited or bibliography. These are usually called in-text citations or parenthetical citations in MLA and APA formats. The most effective time to complete these is directly after you have made your reference to another source. For instance, after writing the line from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities : “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…,” you would include a citation like this (depending on your chosen citation style):

(Dickens 11).

This signals to the reader that you have referenced an outside source. What’s great about this system is that the in-text citations serve as a natural list for all of the citations you have made in your paper, which will make completing the works cited page a whole lot easier. After you are done writing, all that will be left for you to do is scan your paper for these references, and then build a works cited page that includes a citation for each one.

Need help creating an MLA works cited page ? Try the MLA format generator on EasyBib.com! We also have a guide on how to format an APA reference page .

2. Understand the General Formatting Rules of Your Citation Style Before You Start Writing

While reading up on paper formatting may not sound exciting, being aware of how your paper should look early on in the paper writing process is super important. Citation styles can dictate more than just the appearance of the citations themselves, but rather can impact the layout of your paper as a whole, with specific guidelines concerning margin width, title treatment, and even font size and spacing. Knowing how to organize your paper before you start writing will ensure that you do not receive a low grade for something as trivial as forgetting a hanging indent.

Don’t know where to start? Here’s a formatting guide on APA format .

3. Double-check All of Your Outside Sources for Relevance and Trustworthiness First

Collecting outside sources that support your research and specific topic is a critical step in writing an effective paper. But before you run to the library and grab the first 20 books you can lay your hands on, keep in mind that selecting a source to include in your paper should not be taken lightly. Before you proceed with using it to backup your ideas, run a quick Internet search for it and see if other scholars in your field have written about it as well. Check to see if there are book reviews about it or peer accolades. If you spot something that seems off to you, you may want to consider leaving it out of your work. Doing this before your start making citations can save you a ton of time in the long run.

Finished with your paper? It may be time to run it through a grammar and plagiarism checker , like the one offered by EasyBib Plus. If you’re just looking to brush up on the basics, our grammar guides  are ready anytime you are.

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