Itqualityassurance
One sign that something is community knowledge is that it is stated in 5 or more sources. So, if it's known to educated people, or can be easily looked up, or appears in many sources, it is likely to be “common knowledge” and so does not need to be cited.
- What makes something common knowledge?
- What is an example of common knowledge?
- What counts as common knowledge in an essay?
- Can common knowledge be plagiarized?
What makes something common knowledge?
Common knowledge is information that the majority of people either know or can find in a number of sources. Common knowledge is factual information that is beyond dispute.
What is an example of common knowledge?
Common knowledge is, as the name suggests, information that could reasonably be known by the average person. For example: Grass is green. Fish live in water.
What counts as common knowledge in an essay?
The term “common knowledge” refers to facts and information that are so well-known and clearly established that a writer can use them in their work without citing a specific source.
Can common knowledge be plagiarized?
Widely known facts
Widely known scientific and historical facts—such as the molecular structure of water (H2O), or that Ernest Manning was the eighth Premier of Alberta—generally count as common knowledge. You can include such facts in your writing without citation and without fear of committing plagiarism.
