Research Links

*This Web page may contain links to one or more pages that are outside MCPS. MCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.

For help creating a bibliography

  • NoodleTools--Everyone should have an account. Creates works cited page for you.
  • Sample Works Cited Page with Notes--Explains proper formatting
  • Sample Works Cited Page (Clean)--Works Cited page without explanations
  • Bibliography Citation Examples and Templates--Allows you to copy and paste templates from Word document and fill in with the appropriate information
  • Guidance on Creating Bibliography Citations--Models how to create citations if you don't want to use NoodleTools

Avoiding Plagiarism

What is plagiarism?
It is "the act of presenting someone else's ideas as your own" (Sebranek 256).

Note-Taking Tip:
While taking notes, put quotation marks around direct quotes and identify the source on the same page. This is very easy to do using Noodle Tools!

Use the CHoMP Note Taking Strategy to avoid plagiarism!
This helps to determine what information in a resource is important and can enable you to paraphrase the information using your own words. You can avoid unintentional plagiarism this way.

  • C - Cross out unnecessary small words such as articles, prepositions and conjunctions.
  • H - Highlight the essential information
  • M - Make notes from the information highlighted. Use single words, phrases, abbreviations, dates, symbols, and bulleted lists. Sentences are unnecessary.
  • P - Put the notes in your own words to avoid plagiarism.

Avoid plagiarism by documenting the works of others when:
" ...you use someone else's words" (Harris). Use quotation marks around direct quotes to give the writer or speaker credit.
". you revise or paraphrase the words of someone else or just use their ideas" (Harris). When paraphrasing, give credit in note form.
" ...you use information gained through interviewing another person" (OWL).
" ...you reprint any diagrams, illustrations, charts, and pictures" (OWL).
" ...you use ideas that others have given you in conversations or over email" (OWL).

You do not have to document when:
" ...you are writing your own experiences, your own observations, your own insights, your own thoughts, your own conclusions about a subject" (OWL).
" ...you are using 'common knowledge' - folklore, common sense observations, shared information within your field of study or cultural group" (OWL).
" ...you are compiling generally accepted facts" (OWL).
" ...you are writing up your own experimental results" (OWL).

Need more help to make sure you did not plagiarize information for your project? Try these websites: