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Citation Machine: Citing References

Details

Activity Website:

Activity Description

Citation Machine
Source: http://citationmachine.net (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])
 

In this activity, students learn how to properly credit the information they use in their writing with the online Citation Machine.

 

Preparation

  1. Students should be familiar with the reasons for citing references in their writing and know which citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) they are expected to use before learning how to use this tool. For more information on citation styles you may want to try the Citation Styles .
  2. Spend some time with the site, learning how to use it yourself in whichever style you prefer. Make notes on anything you think might be an issue for your students.

Teacher Tips

  • As with many sites of this type, there are MANY ads. Be sure to teach your students what they look like and how to avoid clicking on these ads, which could pose "issues" they would rather not deal with.
  • NOTE: You may be offered a free trial as disclosed to you in the subscription offer. If so, and you elect to subscribe, you are enrolling in a free trial, the duration of which will be as disclosed to you at sign-up. If you do not cancel within the trial period, you will automatically be enrolled in a paid monthly subscription at the end of the trial.

Program Areas

  • ABE: Adult Basic Education
  • ASE: High School Diploma

Levels

  • High

Lesson Plan

Warm-up
Engagement

Activity: "Who Said It?" Quiz

Display 3–5 quotes (famous, academic, or from recent news). Ask students:

    • Who said this?
    • If you used this in a paper, would you need to cite it?
    • What could happen if you didn’t?

Discussion Prompt:

Why do we need to cite sources? What does it mean to "give credit" in writing?

Introduction

Objective:

Explain that today’s lesson will show students how to create citations using an online tool called Citation Machine to properly give credit when using information in research or essays.

Learning Goal:

Students will learn how to generate citations in MLA or APA format and understand the importance of avoiding plagiarism.

Presentation
Enhancement

Modeling:

  1. Visit https://www.citationmachine.net live or with a pre-recorded screen share.
  2. Demonstrate:
    • How to choose a citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).
    • How to enter source information (book, website, journal, etc.).
    • How to review and copy the formatted citation.

3.  Highlight how to identify and avoid ads, popups, and misclicks.

Teacher Tips:

  • Explain the differences between citation styles.
  • Note that citation generators are tools, not perfect—they require human review for accuracy.
Practice
Engagement Enhancement

Activity: "Cite It Right" Scavenger Hunt

Students are given 3 sources (one book, one website, one article). In pairs or small groups, they will:

  • Use Citation Machine to generate citations for each source in a selected format (e.g., MLA).
  • Compare results with another group.
  • Identify any inconsistencies and discuss why they might occur.

Provide a Citation Checklist to help students evaluate if their citations include all required elements.

 

Evaluation

Quick Quiz or Exit Ticket:

  • Multiple choice: Why is citing important?
  • Identify correct vs. incorrect citations.
  • Short answer: What should you check when using an online citation generator?

Alternative: Students submit one citation they created using Citation Machine and write 2–3 sentences explaining why proper citation is important.

Application
Extension

Assignment: Use Citation Machine in Your Next Writing Task

For their upcoming writing project, students must:

    • Use Citation Machine to generate at least three citations.
    • Submit a reference list with their final draft.
    • Highlight at least one in-text citation.

Optional: Students can screen record themselves using Citation Machine as part of a mini digital literacy reflection.

Documents

Subjects

  • English Language Arts
    • Journalism

Standards

  • Writing
    • CCR Anchor 8 - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

Tags

writing, citation machine, citationmachine.net, citations, citing sources, format citations, formatting citations, generate citations, government document, journal article, magazine article, MLA, newspaper article, online citation machine, reference list, references, Turabian, academic writing, APA, Chicago, Chicago style, citation

Creative Commons License

CC BY
CC BY: This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use.

Conditions

You may be offered a free trial as disclosed to you in the subscription offer. If so, and you elect to subscribe, you are enrolling in a free trial, the duration of which will be as disclosed to you at sign-up. If you do not cancel within the trial period, you will automatically be enrolled in a paid monthly subscription at the end of the trial.

AI Reference

ChatGPT was used to rewrite this lesson in the WIPPEA format
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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN240137 from the Adult Education Office, in the Career & College Transition Division, California Department of Education, with funds provided through Federal P.L., 105-220, Section 223. However, OTAN content does not necessarily reflect the position of that department or the U.S. Department of Education.