Direct Quotes: Any exact wording taken from another source must be enclosed in quotation marks and cited.
Paraphrases: Even if you put information into your own words, you must still cite the original source. This is because you are still using someone else's ideas.
Facts and Statistics: Any factual information that is not widely known must be cited. This includes data, research findings, and specific examples.
Ideas and Arguments: Even if you don't quote directly, you need to cite sources for any significant ideas or arguments that you borrow from others.
Visuals: If you use any images, graphs, charts, or tables from other sources, you need to cite them appropriately.
Examples of what typically requires a citation:
* Research findings: "A study by Smith (2022) found that..."
* Expert opinions: "According to Dr. Jones (2021),..."
* Specific examples: "The Great Wall of China (National Geographic, 2023) is..."
* Historical events: "The Battle of Gettysburg (History.com, 2023) was..."
Examples of what generally doesn't require a citation:
* Common knowledge: "The Earth revolves around the sun."
* Personal observations: "I noticed that the students were..."
* Your own original thoughts and ideas: "I believe that..."
Remember: It's always better to err on the side of caution and cite a source when in doubt. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and proper citation is essential for maintaining academic integrity.