It is not only a courtesy but also a legal obligation to cite the work we have used to create our work. Thus, learning the rules of proper citation is essential when studying at university. Plagiarism, as the unacknowledged use of another's work, is then considered a gross misdemeanor that carries severe penalties.
- We should always cite the primary source (i.e., the original author, not someone who has already adopted the idea).
- Cite in a consistent style.
- We follow the chosen citation standard (at the PdF you will most often encounter the APA standard or ČSN ISO 690 - check with the department which standard they prefer).
- We write down information about the document right away; in retrospect, not all the information necessary to write the citation may be available.
- Citation generators and managers (e.g. Zotero) can make working with citations easier.
E-resources can be found through the Discovery service. Help with search tips is available here.
You've managed to write the paper and now you have to present it in front of your classmates and the teacher. How to "sell it" properly? Adequate preparation is important. First, you need to be clear about these basic things:
- To whom you will speak (You must present in the "language of your tribe".)
- What do you want to say (What is the main message? Ideally, if you can express it in one sentence.)
- Where will you speak (In what setting? Are you familiar with it? If not, find out about it beforehand if possible. You won't get sidetracked by technical equipment, for example.
- How much time you will have available (It is not good to finish too early, but neither is it good to overstretch the allotted time.)
If your presentation is to be supported by slides, remember that these are only meant to be a supplement, not the basis of your presentation. No one can concentrate for long periods of time on reading the text and listening at the same time.
- Forget about reading the slides verbatim.
- Slides should be airy, not cluttered with text.
- Images and photographs must be of sufficient resolution (and beware of copyright!).