Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following statements requires a source citation?

Rationale

In 2011, 736 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States.

This statement provides a specific statistic regarding turkey consumption, which requires a credible source for verification. Factual claims that include numeric data or specific figures are typically supported by research or official reports to establish accuracy and reliability.

A (In 2011, 736 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States.) CORRECT

As mentioned, this statement presents a precise figure related to turkey consumption, necessitating a citation from a reliable source such as a government report or industry study. Without proper attribution, the claim cannot be validated and remains unsubstantiated.

B (We have more than 10 types of pumpkin pie on our Thanksgiving menu each year.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement reflects a personal experience or opinion about a specific menu but does not present a widely recognized fact or statistic that requires citation. It is subjective and can vary by individual or household, thus not needing a source.

C (In 2020, we slowly cooked our turkey over 200-degree heat in a hickory smoker.) YOUR ANSWER

While this statement describes a cooking method used in a specific instance, it is a personal anecdote and does not assert a claim that requires external verification. Such descriptions of personal experiences do not necessitate citations.

D (It is common knowledge that millions of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement refers to a widely accepted cultural understanding rather than a statistical claim. Common knowledge does not typically require citation, as it is generally recognized by the public and does not rely on specific data or sources.

Conclusion

The need for source citations arises primarily from factual statements that present specific data, such as the turkey consumption statistic in option A. In contrast, personal anecdotes and common knowledge do not require citations as they derive from individual experiences or broadly accepted facts. Thus, distinguishing between subjective narratives and verifiable claims is essential in determining citation requirements.

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