Citation
High School
Definition
A reference that gives credit to the source of information, ideas, or quotations used in a piece of writing. Citations identify the author, title, and other details so readers can find the source. Proper citation avoids plagiarism and supports credibility.
Worked examples
According to Smith, "Education is the key to progress" (Smith 45).
An in-text citation shows the author and page number in parentheses right after the quote.
Smith, John. The Power of Learning. Academic Press, 2020.
A Works Cited entry lists full publication details so readers can locate the source.
Common mistakes
- copying a sentence without quotation marks but adding (Smith 45) at the end → put the exact words in quotes: "..." (Smith 45), or paraphrase in your own words Without quotes, even with a citation, copying exact words is plagiarism.
- listing a source in Works Cited but never citing it in the text → cite every source in-text where you use it, and list it in Works Cited Readers need the in-text citation to know which idea came from which source.
- citing only the website URL without author, title, or date → include author (or site name), page/article title, publisher, and access date A complete citation lets readers evaluate and find the source; a bare URL often breaks or lacks context.
Where you'll use it next
You'll use citations in every research essay, lab report, and analytical paper through high school and college. Proper citation is essential in academic writing, professional research, and any time you build on others' work.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026