Using Resources

Understand Plagiarism - What you don't have to cite

So what don't you have to cite?
Common knowledge.

What qualifies as common knowledge?

Common knowledge includes well-known facts everyone is familiar with. For example, if you state the fact that Columbus discovered the New World in 1492, you do not have to cite your source.

Assess Your Understanding of "Common Knowledge"

To assess your understanding of what qualifies as common knowledge, complete the following research exercises:
The online Bedford/St. Martin's A Pocket Style Manual Recognizing Common Knowledge Exercise. Note: drag your mouse over "MLA" and choose "Recognizing common knowledge in MLA papers".

Note: You will be asked to sign on to the site by providing a user name. If your professor requests that your scores be made available to him or her, be sure to include your professor's email address in the sign-in form.