Nuts and Bolts: Input on the Structure of Your Paper

Quentin Tarantino does it all the time – not only "quotes" earlier films with visual references, but also borrows the entire visual or plot structure of a scene.

What if you find this great article that gives you ideas for the way you want to argue your point?

Or what if your roommate looks over your paper and says, "Hey, why not put this paragraph at the beginning, and add this idea to section two, and it will make much more sense"?

• It is wise to document sources of input into your work, even if they are not as straightforward as quotations or the paraphrase of an idea.

• Unclear on your professor's policy about help from a roommate or a tutor? Ask – preferably in advance!