8. I do not need to cite a source for information that is common knowledge.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: The item asks whether you need to cite a source for information that is common knowledge, and provides two options: 1) Correct, 2) Incorrect.

Option 1: Correct. In many academic contexts, information that is widely known and undisputed within a field—commonly referred to as common knowledge—does not require a citation. For example, stating that the Earth orbits the Sun or that water is H2O would typically be considered common knowledge and not necessitate a source. However, this can vary by discipline and institution, so readers should be mindful of what counts as common knowledge in a given context and avoid overgeneralizing.

Option 2: Incorrect. The statement that you do not need to cite information that is common knowledge is not universally true in all contexts. Some situations require citations even for information that seems widely known, such as when the audience is unfamiliar with the topic, when the information is specific to a particular study, or when accuracy and provenance are essential. In research writing, failing to cite sources when in doubt can border on plagiarism by implication, because you are presenting information as if it were your own knowledge rather than the work of others. Therefore, labeling the claim as always true ignores disciplinary norms and situational factors that determine when a citation is appropriate.

In summary, recognizing common knowledge helps avoid unnecessary citations, but the decision to cite should consider the audience, discipline, and specificity of the information. The statement in Option 1 is correct within many typical academic contexts, while Option 2 is incorrect because it overstates the exemption from citation and risks misrepresenting norms across different contexts.

_CAES1001_INTEGRITY_1_2025 Task 3.1 Using sources correctly to avoid plagiarism

8. I do not need to cite a source for information that is common knowledge.

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