Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

Identifying Information That Requires Citation

On the TEAS 7 English and Language Usage section, you must distinguish between common knowledge and intellectual property. The general rule is: if the information is not original to you and is not widely known by the general public, it must be cited to avoid plagiarism.

Why Choice C is Correct

Choice C describes a "unique theory from a sociology professor." This represents expert opinion and original research. Because this theory is the intellectual property of a specific person and is not a fact known by the average person, you must give credit to the source. Failing to cite a specific person's theories or unique perspectives is considered academic dishonesty, even if you paraphrase the idea in your own words.

Analysis of Incorrect Options

• Choice A: A chemical formula like $H_2O$ is considered common knowledge within the scientific community and the general public. Basic scientific facts and established formulas do not require citations.
• Choice B: The date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) is a well-known historical fact. Dates of major historical events that can be found in any general encyclopedia or history textbook generally do not need a citation.
• Choice C: This is an anecdote or personal reflection. You do not need to cite your own thoughts, feelings, or personal life experiences. This information originated with the author.

TEAS Study Tip: The "Rule of Three"

A helpful way to determine if something is common knowledge is to see if you can find the same fact in three or more independent, general sources (like a dictionary, an atlas, and a general textbook) without those sources citing it themselves. If you find a specific statistic, a controversial opinion, or a direct quote, it always needs a citation.

Summary Checklist for Citations

As a future nursing student, remember you must cite:

• Direct quotes (exact words)
• Paraphrased ideas from a specific source
• Statistics and data from studies
• Original theories or specialized interpretations
• Images, graphs, or charts created by others