Our town
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In-Text citations are the parentheses usually at the end of sentences or paragraphs to give credit when you paraphrased, summarized, or used a direct quote from a source in your paper. Here are some common questions regarding in-text citations:
1. When do I cite something?
Depending on your audience, general, common knowledge does not need a citation.
Charles Schulz wrote the comic strip "Peanuts."
2. So, when do I use an in-text citation?
If you paraphrase; that is, if you put something into your own words.
If you make a direct quotation; that is, if you copy word for word from the text.
3. How do I create an in-text citation?
The first time you mention a text, you should include the title and the author's full name in your sentence. Here's an example:
Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird examines the racial tension of the 20th century American South.
Later on in your paper, you'll use an in-text citation. Here's an example:
For example, Atticus says, "...You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view..." (p. 30).
Topic Sentences and Transitions
Topic sentences are often a weak point for developing writers. Each body paragraph MUST start with a sentence that (a) relates directly to the thesis and (b) tells readers what information the paragraph will include.
For example, the topic sentences for the TKAM thesis from page ___ might read like this:
When Scout and Jem ________, Atticus encourages them to be more tolerant.
OR...
In addition to tolerance, Atticus demonstrates determinations when _______.
OR...
Atticus also shows the value of determination by _________.
OR....
From the beginning of the story, Atticus models honesty by ________ and __________.
Each of these sentences brings the reader's attention to the part of the thesis to be proven in the paragraph and provides additional information about HOW that part of the thesis will be demonstrated.
The topic sentence should never contain a quote, but it should "open the door" for your evidence. A strong body paragraph might take the following structure.
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