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Citations are the basic, pertinent information needed to find the full text of a publication, usually the author name, title of book or journal, date and place of publication.
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Summary: When you provide a brief version of what you learned from the source document.
Not everyone who wanders is necessarily lost (Tolkien 182).
Paraphrase: When you restate an idea from the source document using your own words.
In Lord of the Rings, Tolkien speaks about wandering adventurers who may seem lost, but instead are on a personal quest (182).
Quotation: When you use phrases or sentences exactly as they appear in the source document. Note the quotation marks.
J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, “…not all those who wander are lost” (182).
Plagiarism: (Don't do this) Presenting another's words, analysis, interpretation or other creations as your own. Check out the Avoiding Plagiarism guide for more details.
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You should provide a citation whenever your writing is based on someone else's work.