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Math communication courses: Cite and write

Citing information

Why do we cite information?

  • To give credit
  • So readers can verify the source
  • So readers can look up the source to learn more
  • To document the progression of ideas
  • To add credibility to your work

When do we cite information?

  • When the idea is not yours
  • When the idea is not common knowledge

How do we cite information?

  • Quoting: If you use an author's exact words, you must add quotation marks around those words in your paper. This must be followed by an in text citation
  • Paraphrasing: If you use an author's idea but explain it in your own way using your own words, you must follow this by an in text citation
  • Every work you cite must also be listed in a reference list at the end of your paper

These resources are provided by the Writing and Communication Centre. 

Resources from the Writing and Communication Centre

Citation resources for APA style

Citation style guides

A citation style guide describes a specific way of citing materials (books, articles, websites, etc.), in your paper. There are many different style guides to choose from. Check with your instructor to see which guide you need to follow.

Search the Library's catalogue to find authoritative manuals on how to cite properly.

Tracking your sources

Citation management software offers a place to store and organize your citations. Citations can be exported directly from databases or captured from webpages and PDFs. The software also facilitates in text citing and automated bibliography creation in Word and Overleaf.