1. Use someone else's ideas or words:
* Direct quotes: Any exact phrase or sentence taken from another source needs to be in quotation marks and cited.
* Paraphrases: Even if you put someone else's idea into your own words, you still need to cite the source.
* Summarizing: Even if you condense a large amount of information, you still need to acknowledge the source.
2. Use factual information that is not common knowledge:
* Statistics: If you use a specific number or data point, you need to cite the source.
* Research findings: If you refer to the results of a study or experiment, you need to cite the source.
* Expert opinions: If you quote or paraphrase an expert's opinion, you need to cite the source.
3. Are referencing a specific piece of media:
* Images, videos, and audio recordings: If you use these in your essay, you need to cite the source.
* Charts, graphs, and tables: If you include these in your essay, you need to cite the source.
4. Are using a specific source for your essay:
* Historical documents, literary works, or scientific papers: If you are analyzing a specific document or work, you should cite it to support your argument.
In general, it's always better to err on the side of caution and provide a source than to risk plagiarism.
Here are some additional points to consider:
* Different disciplines have different citation styles. Make sure you follow the style guide for your field.
* There are many different ways to cite sources. Check with your instructor or the style guide you're using for the correct format.
* Be consistent with your citations. Use the same style and format throughout your essay.
* Proofread your citations carefully. Make sure they are accurate and complete.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essay is properly documented and avoids plagiarism.