Citation Styles and Guides

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. 

For a deep dive into quotation, paraphrase, and summary, take a virtual, self-directed WCC workshop. “Say It In Your Own Words” is available in two versions for undergraduate and graduate 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.