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Plagiarism: Common Knowledge

What you don't need to 'document'

Common Knowledge
The only information you do not have to document is common knowledge or information most anyone with a common culture would know. For Example, we know that George Washington was the first president of the United States or that the Alamo is in San Antonio. You do not have to find a source for that type of information.

What about common phrases or sayings such as “haste makes waste”?
It is not plagiarism if you do not find the source for such phrases. However, if you can find the original reference from the Book of Wisdom in 190 BC, or when it occurred much later from John Ray's 1678 proverb collection, or from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac, your paper will benefit from enhanced credibility.