I was just wondering w/MLA format, since I am new to this, my son wrote a paper comparing things in the world today to the book 1984. He has alot of knowledge in history, honors history classes etc. When he compared an event in the book with his knowledge of the t.v.'s in North Korea (something he just knew about) the teacher took points off saying he didn't cite sources, but it's just something he knew about. Is your basic knowledge of things supposed to be in quotes and cited if you didn't actually take it from a book?

Question

I was just wondering w/MLA format, since I am new to this, my son wrote a paper comparing things in the world today to the book 1984.  He has alot of knowledge in history, honors history classes etc.  When he compared an event in the book with his knowledge of the t.v.'s in North Korea (something he just knew about) the teacher took points off saying he didn't cite sources, but it's just something he knew about.  Is your basic knowledge of things supposed to be in quotes and cited if you didn't actually take it from a book?

anonymous · Answer

Well no, it doesn't have to be cited in that case, but as a student in a report like that he should know what the teacher wants. The teacher obviously wanted him to find sources and cite them. Teachers want the students to actually get down and dirty and find information sometimes, it teaches how to research. Also, it is good to get sources for information like that and not just use it from your head. The reason for this is credibility, if your son isn't a well known historian, he has no credibility, therefore nobody has any reason to believe his claims. He needs trusted souces to support his claims in order for it to be believable.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks!  You made some valid points that I didn't think of.

anonymous · Answer

No problem, please click "best response" next to my post if it helped :]

foreverandalways13 · Answer

i didnt know that either....
lol