Checklist for Documenting a Paper

When Using COMMON KNOWLEDGE:
Facts and information in common use and available in several sources are called "common knowledge." As long as the common knowledge is paraphrased, a source need not be cited, but all sources in which the material was found must be listed in the reference list. If there is a chance that readers might mistake the statements that you paraphrase as your own, credit the source within the paper.
1. Paraphrase the information.
2. Include the complete citation for all sources in the reference list.

When QUOTING (copying word-for-word, whether two words or a passage):
1. Use quotation marks around the exact words copied from the original source (take notes carefully to be sure you have copied accurately). If the quotation is longer than 40 words or 4 lines margin to margin, quotation marks are not used. Look at the sample papers for how to block or display it.
2. Cite the source parenthetically in the text of the paper.
3. Include the source in your list at the end.

When PARAPHRASING:
Paraphrasing means expressing someone else's ideas in your own words. For a successful paraphrase, be sure you understand the original passage and do more than just substitute synonyms, change tenses, or shift words around.
1. Indicate where your paraphrase begins. Use the source name or title or a phrase like: One authority believes that...
2. Cite the source parenthetically in the paper.
3. Include the source in your list at the end.

Comparison of a Quotation and a Paraphrase

Example of a Quotation (using APA style):
Initially the Internet was created as a means for research scientists to communicate and share information. This use has expanded so that today people in many professions use the Internet. Professor Becker of the University of California at Irvine conducted a survey: "Among other things, Becker found that 68 percent of teachers surveyed said they use the Internet at least occasionally to get information for use in their lessons and 39 percent use e-mail to communicate with teachers in other schools" (Mendels, 1999).

Analysis of Example:
1. The first and second sentences are common knowledge.
2. Quotation marks are placed before and after the words copied exactly from the source.
3. The credit for the source is placed in parentheses after the quotation. This example uses APA documentation style.

Example of a Paraphrase (Using APA Style):
Initially the Internet was created as a means for research scientists to communicate and share information. This use has expanded so that today people in many professions use the Internet. One source reports that over 60% of teachers use the Internet for instructional purposes and nearly 40% use e-mail to communicate with colleagues around the world (Mendels, 1999).

Analysis of Example:
1. The first and second sentences are common knowledge.
2. The paraphrase is introduced by a few words (e.g. "One source reports") so the reader knows where it begins.
3. There are no quotation marks used around the paraphrased statement.
4. Credit is given to the source at the end of the paraphrase. This example uses APA documentation style.

Reference
Mendels, P. (1999, May 26). Non-Traditional Teachers More Likely to Use the Net.
New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://www.nytimes.com