Page Numbers: The Bane of Citation Existence
Okay, so you're knee-deep in a research paper, and you've just finished quoting a particularly insightful passage. Now, the million-dollar question arises: do you need to cite the page number? Let's dive into the murky waters of Chicago style.
Page Numbers: A Love-Hate Relationship
Honestly, Chicago style can be a real rollercoaster. One minute you're feeling confident about your footnotes, the next you're questioning your life choices. Page numbers, specifically, can be a source of endless confusion.
The Rule of Thumb:
- Direct quotes: Yes, you must include the page number. It's like giving credit where credit is due, but with less fanfare.
- Paraphrasing: You can include a page number, but it's not strictly necessary. It's like saying, "Hey, I got this information from here, but I didn't copy it word for word."
- General information: Nope, no need for page numbers. You're just giving a general overview, not quoting or paraphrasing.
When to Be a Page Number Rebel
Now, there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, if you're citing a long online article without page numbers, you can use section headings or paragraph numbers instead. It's like saying, "I know there are no page numbers, but I found this golden nugget in the 'Introduction' section."
The Bottom Line
While page numbers are important for accuracy, don't let them stress you out. As long as you're clear about where you got your information, you're doing just fine. And remember, if you're really unsure, it's always better to include the page number than to leave it out.
But seriously, why does this matter? Well, it's all about academic integrity. By citing your sources correctly, you're showing respect to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism. Plus, it helps other people find the information they need.
How-To Questions:
- How to cite a direct quote in Chicago style? Include the author's name, the title of the work, and the page number in a footnote or endnote.
- How to cite a paraphrased passage in Chicago style? Include the author's name and the title of the work in a footnote or endnote. You can also include the page number for clarity.
- How to cite a website without page numbers in Chicago style? Use section headings or paragraph numbers as locators instead of page numbers.
- How to format footnotes in Chicago style? Use superscript numbers to indicate footnotes, and place them at the bottom of the page.
- How to create a bibliography in Chicago style? List your sources alphabetically by author in a separate section titled "Bibliography."