1. Use someone else's ideas, words, or creative work. This includes:
* Direct quotes: When you use the exact words of another author.
* Paraphrasing: When you rephrase someone else's ideas in your own words.
* Summarizing: When you condense someone else's ideas into a shorter form.
* Using images, tables, figures, or other visuals: These should be credited to the original source.
2. Draw on someone else's research or data.
3. Are writing for academic purposes. Most academic institutions have strict policies about plagiarism, and proper citation is essential.
4. Are writing for professional purposes. Even if you aren't writing a formal research paper, it's important to cite your sources in professional writing to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism.
5. When there's a possibility of confusion about the source of information. If you're unsure whether something is common knowledge or requires a citation, it's always better to err on the side of caution and cite it.
Where to include citations:
* In-text citations: Within the body of your text, usually in parentheses or footnotes.
* Bibliography or Works Cited: A list of all sources you cited in your paper, located at the end of the document.
Important Note: Different disciplines and institutions often have specific citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Be sure to follow the guidelines for the style you are using.