GV Writing Handbook | Page 8

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Our town

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In-text citations

In-Text citations are the parentheses usually at the end of sentences or paragraphs to give credit when you paraphrased, summarized, or used a direct quote from a source in your paper. Here are some common questions regarding in-text citations:

1. When do I cite something?

Depending on your audience, general, common knowledge does not need a citation.

Charles Schulz wrote the comic strip "Peanuts."

2. So, when do I use an in-text citation?

If you paraphrase; that is, if you put something into your own words.

If you make a direct quotation; that is, if you copy word for word from the text.

3. How do I create an in-text citation?

The first time you mention a text, you should include the title and the author's full name in your sentence. Here's an example:

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird examines the racial tension of the 20th century American South.

Later on in your paper, you'll use an in-text citation. Here's an example:

For example, Atticus says, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view..." (p. 30).

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