When to cite sources

Most students have still not ever cited any sources. When do we cite sources? The short answer is that EVERY FACT gets a citation. A longer answer can be found in the Wikipedia.

When to cite sources
Wikipedia is by its very nature a work by people with widely different
knowledge and skills. The reader needs to be assured that the material
within it is reliable.

The purpose of citing sources is:
. To ensure that the content of articles can be checked by any reader or editor.
. To show that your edit is not original research and to reduce editorial
disputes.
. To avoid claims of plagiarism and copying.
. To help users find additional information on the topic.
. To ensure that material about living persons complies with biography policy.
. To improve ...credibility .... Since each fact presented by an
article must be concretely verifiable, at the editor's discretion it is
possible and appropriate to include as many proper and
correct citations as desired to affirm the statements made. However
citation is only required as specified in the following list of
circumstances. And whether a citation is added in a required context or at
an editor's discretion it must be accurate and should comply with the rules
set forth in this guideline.When adding material that is challenged or
likely to be challenged.

"All quotations and any material challenged or likely to be
challenged should be attributed to a reliable, published source using an
inline citation."The need for citations is especially important when
writing about opinions held on a particular issue. Avoid weasel
words where possible, such as, "Some people say ..."
Instead, make your writing verifiable: find a
specific person or group who holds that opinion and give
a citation to a reputable publication in which they express that
opinion. .... Opinions, data and statistics, and statements based
on someone's scientific work should be cited and attributed to their
authors in the text.

When quoting someone...

I hope that helps!