Why We Cite

When constructing arguments, citing sources is vital to sustaining our credibility as authors and to preserving the integrity of our writing. We cite to inspire intellectual curiosity in our readers and to encourage them to seek further information on our topics. External sources provide new insight and perspective to a standard argument as well as an outlet for more information than what we can provide. We hope that audiences will employ both our own rhetoric and that of our sources to build bridges to new ideas and discovery.

We chose to use MLA format based on our own experiences with that particular kind of citation and the format’s user-friendly qualities. This type of citation facilitates further research beyond the article itself by featuring parenthetical citations that create direct links to the bibliography. We assume from personal experience that students are most familiar with the Modern Language Association’s style, based on its frequent use in high school and collegiate academia. We’ve provided an example of MLA format below:

"Get tough on nuclear safety." Nature. Nature Publishing Group, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 11 Sept. 

2012. <http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/481113a.html>. 

This citation provides information on the title of the article, the title of the magazine, and relevant publishing information, including the date published and the date the article was accessed online.

Altogether, these elements should allow anyone to find further information on the topics discussed and aid in the overall experience of our blog.