Which practice helps you maintain proper attribution when using sources?

• A. Keep a list of sources with full bibliographic details
• B. Use only direct quotes
• C. Avoid paraphrasing
• D. Never cite sources

Answer: (A)

Attribution rests on keeping solid records of the sources you used so you can credit authors accurately and help readers locate the originals. Having a running list with full bibliographic details provides all the information needed to create proper citations in any style, reduces the chance of forgetting a source, and makes it easy to verify facts or quotes you include. This organized approach supports honesty about where ideas come from and prevents plagiarism because you can always point back to the exact source.

Relying only on direct quotes isn’t ideal for attribution because it tends to overemphasize quoted material and doesn’t by itself ensure you’ve tracked or properly cited all sources you referenced, including paraphrased ideas. Paraphrasing is a common and legitimate way to integrate information, but it still requires proper citation to attribute ideas to their original authors. And never citing sources completely undermines attribution, leaving readers with no way to verify claims or locate the original material.