Style Guide
From Rsgc Library
Introduction
In researching and writing essays and reports, whenever using an idea from another source, credit must be given to that source in order to avoid committing plagiarism.
Students are expected to give credit to:
- Another author's work whether the idea is reworded (paraphrased) or quoted directly.
- Facts that are not commonly known
- Images
Students will be exposed to a variety of citation methods throughout their school years. Common formats include:
- Modern Language Association (MLA) Style
- Chicago Style
- American Psychological Association (APA) Style
The following examples are based on the MLA Style. Students should should expect to become familiar with different styles and should consult individual teachers on what style to use in that class.
Citiing properly involves two elements:
1. Citation
2. Bibliography
Citations
The MLA format uses a documenting style called in-text parenthetical citation. These citations are placed in brackets at the end of the sentence quoting orparaphrasing or crediting another's work.
Include the author's last name and the page number the quote refers to. If there is no author use the title of the source. If the source is from the internet try to provide information that will allow the reader to find the exact page or frame. Punctuation should follow the closing bracket of the citation, except for those quotations 4 lines or longer.
1.A: Example: Direct Quotation - Author's name mentioned in essay text
The father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud, asserts that "a dream is the fulfillment of a wish" (75).
1.B: Example: Direct Quotation - Author's name not mentioned in essay text (print source)
Modern psychology asserts that "a dream is the fulfillment of a wish" (Freud, 75).
(electronic source)
There was great concern amongst the Canadian armed forces prior to the D-Day invasion as "Canadian destruction at Dieppe was still fresh in the minds of many" ("D-Day Invasion Sites" Valour and the Horror Web Site.)
