There are different ways to cite and format academic writing, depending on your academic discipline. The rules for how to cite sources and format academic writing are contained in style guides.
Common styles include APA, Chicago, IEEE, and MLA, although there are many other styles designed to support the unique citation and formatting needs of different disciplines. Updated versions of style guides are published somewhat regularly, so check what style guide and what version you are expected to use. Instructors may provide this information in the course outline or assignment instructions. If you're not sure, ask your instructor or TA directly.
WCC Resources for Integrating Evidence
At the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC), we can help with paraphrasing evidence from external sources and how to structure sentences to integrate citations appropriately.
- Reporting Verbs
- Paraphrase
- Citing a Source More Than Once
- Integrating Evidence Effectively: Author-Prominent and Information-Prominent
For a deep dive into quotation, paraphrase, and summary, take a virtual, self-directed WCC workshop. “Integrating Evidence: Summary, Paraphrase, and Quotation” is available for all students.
UW Library Resources
Learn about different styles from the library’s Citation/Style Guide resources or find workshops and tip sheets by searching for the style in the library’s Online Learning Object Repository.
Official Style Guides
Most style guides provide free information about basic citation and formatting on their websites.
APA
The APA website provides basic reference and formatting guides as well as a robust blog that answers specific citation and formatting questions.
Chicago
The Chicago Manual of Style website provides basic reference and formatting guides for both Author-Date and Notes and Bibliography versions. They also have a Q&A section.
IEEE
The IEEE website provides reference and formatting guides, including how to format mathematical equations.
MLA
The MLA website provides quick guides on citing and formatting, as well as various quizzes to help you test your MLA knowledge.
Quick links to Style Guides
More Resources
Wilson, S. (2008). Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous research methods. Fernwood Publishing.
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This valuable guide presents Indigenous research methods grounded in relationality and respect, equipping students with an ethical, culturally informed approach to research.
Younging, G. (2008). Elements of Indigenous Style: A guide for writing by and about Indigenous peoples. Brush Education.
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This book outlines Indigenous principles for writing about Indigenous peoples and knowledge in ways that are culturally appropriate, respect cultural protocols, and ensure ethical representation.