When one writes an essay, especially an argumentative one, there should usually be outside sources included. These bolster credibility (ethos), and support points in the argument (logos). The following flowchart shows the four basic ways to cite outside sources when writing an argument.

Examples

Author Known:

• Soand So, from This Magazine, writes, “There are many ways to cite something using parenthetical citations” (44).
• In the article, “You CAN Write,” published in This Magazine, the author argues, “There are many ways to cite something using parenthetical citations” (So 44).

Author Unknown:

• In the article, “You CAN Write,” the author suggests, “There are many ways to cite something using parenthetical citations” (So 44).
• One author suggests, “There are many ways to cite something using parenthetical citations” (“You” 44)

REMEMBER: The first time a source shows up in your text, you should use an introductory phrase and use the author’s full name before you insert the quotation. After the “author introduction,” you can just use the author’s last name when referring to him/her.