How To Cite! MLA etc.

Does your teen know how to find and cite great sources for research papers? Many high school students come to our Learning Center without the formal research and citing skills necessary for a successful research paper. Unless an incredible English teacher has gone over these subjects in depth, the average student is not positive on how to properly format their bibliography or what to look for in a credible online source.

Do you know what MLA stands for? Or how MLA differs from Chicago and APA style? Most high school students should be using MLA, but don't know that other styles exist. If they study a social science in college, they'll be using APA, while some humanities prefer Chicago.

If all of this sounds like jargon to you or a high school student you know, a wonderful online resource for them to reference is the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). From where to begin your research, to the proper format for in-text citations, this site covers a wide range of material. Check out that material here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Being informed about proper research techniques and citations not only leads to less points off for improper format, it also protects a student from accidental plagiarism. As you know, plagiarism is taken very seriously and can lead to failing a class or even expulsion. The reason why we have bibliographies, in-text citations, footnotes, etc. is to give credit where proper credit is due! One way to avoid ever being suspected of plagiarism, is to carefully and completely cite your sources. 

If you are interested in learning more, Saturday, August 17th College Tutors | McLean will be hosting a one day class on how to cite at our Learning Center. From 10am to 1:00pm, we will be going over how to conduct your research (both online and off), how to avoid accidental plagiarism, and how to cite your sources. We'll be joined by a reference librarian with 10 years of experience working with students!

College Nannies and Tutors | McLean
6819 Elm Street
McLean, VA 22101
Main: 703-748-0707