Here's a breakdown:
1. Focus on Key Information:
* Author: If available, include the author's last name.
* Year: If available, include the year of publication.
* Title: If you don't have an author, use a shortened version of the title.
* URL: You can include the full URL in parentheses, or just the main part (e.g., "the website name").
2. Examples:
* With author: (Smith, 2023)
* Without author: (History of the Internet, 2020)
* Title only: ("How to Cite Sources")
* URL: (https://www.example.com)
* Combined: (Smith, 2023, "The History of the Internet", https://www.example.com)
3. Rough Draft Considerations:
* Flexibility: Remember, it's a rough draft, so be flexible. Focus on getting the information in, not on perfect formatting.
* Notes: You can use a note-taking system (like Evernote or a dedicated research tool) to keep track of your sources more formally for later.
4. Final Formatting:
* Style Guide: For a final paper, use a specific citation style (like MLA, APA, or Chicago) to follow the guidelines for citing internet sources.
* Bibliography: Create a separate bibliography or works cited list to provide full details of your sources.
Additional Tips:
* Check for Credibility: Make sure the sources you are using are reliable and credible. Look for author credentials, reputable websites (.edu, .gov), and other indicators of trustworthiness.
* Don't Over-cite: Focus on the information you need to support your points.
Remember, the goal of citing in a rough draft is to keep track of your sources and avoid plagiarism. You'll refine the citations later when you're preparing your final paper.