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Plagiarism tutorial: Citation styles

Plagiarism Tutorial

Choosing a citation style

 

Cite: to quote by way of example, authority, or proof; to refer to; to bring forward or
call to another's attention especially as an example, proof, or precedent.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Britannica Online Academic Ed., 2011.


A proper citation will include all of the information that will allow another person to find your source.

There are many different citation styles that have been customized for particular areas of study. In Menlo’s Upper School we generally use one of two citation styles:

  • English classes always use MLA (Modern Language Association style
  • History classes always use Chicago style
  • Science teachers use several different styles - use the style requested by your teacher
  • Foreign language teachers will tell you whether to use Chicago or MLA style

As you write your paper, be sure that you use the proper citation style from the start. Notable differences between MLA and Chicago style include:

  • MLA uses in-text (parenthetical) citation; Chicago uses footnotes or endnotes
  • Sources in an MLA style paper are listed on a Works Cited page; Chicago style sources are listed on a page titled Bibliography
  • MLA and Chicago style have significant differences in punctuation, formatting and in the way publication information is ordered

Be sure that you are using the correct style! You can use the Menlo School Citation Guide or Noodlebib. If you are using Noodlebib, select the proper style when you set up your research project. Note that if you use the free Express version of Noodlebib that is available on the Internet, you will not have full citation and sharing options available. If you need help with Noodlebib, see or email Mrs. Rettberg.

 

 

An interesting
conundrum

Check out this story, published in the

Sept. 3, 2011
Washington Post

The new Martin Luther King, Jr. monument in Washington, D.C. includes a portion of a speech. Some claim the speech was improperly paraphrased, resulting in a different interpretation than what MLK intended. What do you think?

Questions? Comments?

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