Writing+and+Citing

===**Research Review: Choosing a Topic / Finding, Evaluating, and Citing Information Sources** ===

Developed by the Ithaka College Library, these interactive presentation slides provide an introduction to basic research concepts. Click on the arrows to navigate through each of these slides and test your understanding.
 * media type="custom" key="12285682" align="center" || media type="custom" key="12285700" align="center" ||
 * media type="custom" key="12285706" align="center" || media type="custom" key="12285724" ||
 * media type="custom" key="12285730" || media type="custom" key="12285740" ||

**Citing Sources: Free Online Citation Management Tools**

When using automatic citation management tools, remember to double check (and, if necessary, correct) the citation formats before copying and pasting into your bibliography or works cited page. These tools are never 100% accurate or error free. Your instructors are holding you responsible for proper MLA format.

media type="custom" key="12286546"


 * [|Citation Builder (developed by North Carolina State University Libraries)]
 * [|KnightCite (developed by the Hekman Library of Calvin College)]
 * [|Quick©ite (developed by the University of Auckland, New Zealand)]
 * [|Referencing Tool (developed by Griffith University)]

Check citations for accuracy against the //MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers//, 7th edition. You may also check citations against the formatting and style guides listed below. These step-by-step guides are also based on the //MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers//, 7th edition.

**Formatting and Style Guides (Based on the //MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers//, 7th edition)**
 * [|The Owl at Purdue: MLA Formatting and Style Guide]
 * [|Cornell University: Citation Management]

**Avoiding Plagiarism** [|Plagiarism Prevention for Students, developed by the San Marcos Library at the University of California.] Some forms of plagiarism are less obvious than others. This interactive tutorial from the University of California provides a concise definition of plagiarism, also presenting a discussion of actions that might be seen as plagiarism with sections on (1) how to avoid it and (2) when to give credit.

<span style="color: #4d4d6d; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 19.2px; text-align: left;">**Using Information: Analyzing Points of View** <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Is there a controversy surrounding your topic? If so, what is it? While the media may represent controversial issues in two-sided terms, many issues have multiple dimensions and perspectives to explore. Consider the different perspectives you uncovered on your topic. How do these perspectives impact your own opinion or position? What evidence can you use to support your position? How would you formulate an argument against an opposing viewpoint?

<span style="color: #4d4d6d; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 19.2px; text-align: left;">**Quoting from Sources** <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">The appropriate use of quotes is just as important as citing correctly. Consider the purpose of your assignment. Your instructor did not assign your class a research paper in order to find out what others have written about a particular topic. Rather, your teacher is interested in how //you// read and engage with the research process and materials. Develop an argument about what the authors of your sources are doing. What purpose do you detect in their texts? How are they accomplishing this? In your opinion, do they present compelling arguments? Are there points for criticism? Make your case by selecting materials from the text that support your argument. Discuss all quotations presented in your own words.