Most documents are influenced by the work of other writers. As you analyze an assignment, determine whether you’ll need to draw on information from other sources, such as magazine or journal articles, Web sites, or scholarly books. Ask whether you’ll need to cite a minimum or a maximum number of sources and whether you’re required to use a specific documentation system, such as the system created by the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA).

Whether or not an assignment provides guidelines for sources, ask what you’ll need to learn to complete your project, and then identify potential information resources. You can read more about finding and using sources in Part Three of this book.