Citation Guide for Grade 4

What goes into a citation?

1. Author: The creator of the item. There can be more than one author for an item. On some websites, like online encyclopedias, an item may not have an author.

2. Title: The name of the source or item.

If you create a picture, give it a title. Make sure the title describes the picture.

If you did not create the item and there is no title, call it Untitled. (example 4)

3. Source Type: A source can be a website, book, photograph, video, film, newspaper, magazine, letter, interview, song, or artwork.

Correct format for a general citation

Author (if given), Title, source type.

*The title should be italicized. If you handwrite the citation, underline the Title.

How to Cite a Book

Author, Title, Source Type.

Example: Dennis B. Fradin, Tennessee in Words and Pictures, Book.

How to Cite a Website

Title, Source Type.

Example: Tennessee History for Kids, Website.

How to Cite a Personal Photograph

Photographer, Image Title, Source Type.

Melissa Powers, Parthenon in Nashville, Photograph.

How to Cite an Item without a Title

Author (if known), Untitled, Source Type.

John Doe, Untitled, Painting.

How to Cite a Video

Title, Film Studio or Distributor, Source Type.

Examples:

TV Show:

Mythbusters, Discovery, Television.

Feature Film/Movie:

Toy Story, Disney, Film.

Online Video:

Gangnam Style, YouTube, Video.