Citing text evidence in an essay

Citing Textual Evidence in an Essays

All strong arguments need what? EVIDENCE! In this mini-lesson, we will focus on unique ways to cite textual evidence within a body paragraph.

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Later, you'll be able to apply what you learned here to your own body paragraphs.​

Making Arguments Stronger

Relevant, Sufficient and Sound

During the writing process, your job is to read the sources and locate evidence, determine whether or not it is SUFFICIENT (or enough), whether or not it's RELEVANT (related to the topic), and whether or not it is SOUND (logical).

Relevant - Ask yourself, what connection does this evidence have with my claim?

Sufficient - Ask yourself, is there enough evidence to support the claim?

Sound - Ask yourself, is this a trusted, credible source?

Citing Textual Evidence in an Essay

To cite: you as an author tell the reader exactly where you got your evidence.

*Remember, when writers neglect to tell where they've found their evidence​ it's considered plagiarism.

​Option 1: Reference the title of the text.

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Example: The article The Internet Helps You Make More Friends, Be More Social states, "... there's also been a rise in the number of close friendships people are reporting compared with 2008."

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Example: ​There has been an increase in the amount of real friendships, as stated in the article The Internet Helps You Make More Friends, Be More Social.

QUICK TIPS!

📌​ Remember to always use a comma to separate the citation from the evidence

📌 Use this when you use a direct quote​

📌 Use this when you paraphrase the textual evidence in your own words

📌 Use a word like "says" "comments" "admits" or "states"

**see lime green sheet in folder for more!**

Option 2:

Reference the Author by Name

Example:

Sally Author argues that "Meeting friends on the Internet can have its advantages and disadvantages."

Option 3: Use a Parenthetical Citation

Example: It is evidence that befriending strangers online has both pros and cons (Sally Arthur).

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The can be the author's name or the title of the text​​ Paraphrased evidence ​

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Option 4: Use specific numbers to indicate paragraphs

**Must also use the title or author's name​

​Example: Based on the information in paragraph 1 of Making Friends Through the Internet: Advantages and Disadvantages of Meeting Friends Online, it is evident that befriending strangers online has both pros and cons. ​

(​paraphrased evidence)