CGTC FAQs: Academic Support

In any writing class, you are likely to be told to "cite your evidence" more times than you can count. What exactly does this mean, and what is textual evidence?

In most essays, your professors will expect you to include a combination of your own thoughts on a subject supported by evidence from reliable, credible, or reputable sources. In some cases, these sources may be academic journals you find by doing research at the library, for example. Many times, however, you simply need to look at what we call the primary text. A primary text is basically the main text or material you are studying. In a literature class, this would be the novel, short story, or poem your professor has assigned for you to analyze. So, if your professor tells you to be sure to cite textual evidence in your essay, just go to the assigned material to find what you need.

You may ask, though, how do I know what I need from the text? That depends on the argument or point you are making in your essay. I will use an overly simplified example from an old tale most of us know- "The Three Pigs". If I am writing a paper about "The Three Pigs" and want to discuss or prove the nature of evil demonstrated in the character of the Big Bad Wolf, I would need to cite examples from the text in which the wolf commits evil deeds, such as blowing down the poor pig's house. 

The video below offers more insight into what it means to cite textual evidence. 

Do you need more information about citations? Check out the related FAQs linked here:

How do I format my essay using MLA style?

How do I format my essay using APA style? 

How do I format my essay using Chicago style?

In an essay using MLA format, how do I list sources on my Works Cited page?

In an essay using APA format, how do I list sources on my References page?