Plagiarism

Deciding if something is "Common Knowledge":    

  "Generally speaking, you can regard something as common knowledge if you find the same information undocumented in at least five credible sources. Additionally, it might be common knowledge if you think the information you're presenting is something your readers will already know, or something that a person could easily find in general reference sources. But when in doubt, cite; if the citation turns out to be unnecessary, your teacher or editor will tell you." http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/02/

A good deal of information does not need to be cited, if it is something everyone knows and considered 'common knowledge.' A few examples: 

• "Paris is the capital of France;"
• "Golda Meir was the first female prime minister of Israel;" and
• "The Hawaiian Islands were formed by underwater volcanic activity."

You do NOT need to cite:

• your own words, ideas and original research

• things that are considered common knowledge, which include
  • facts that are found in many sources (ex: Marie Antoinette was guillotined in 1793.)
  • things that are easily observed (ex: Many people talk on cellphones while driving.)
  • common sayings (ex: Every man has his price.)