4. When are sources cited in academic writing?It's not necessary if the source is well known.SometimesAlwaysOnly cite if you're copying word for word.

In academic writing, sources should be cited in several specific situations:

1. When You Use Information, Ideas, or Research Findings: If you reference or paraphrase information from a source, it's essential to cite it. This applies to statistics, theories, or any claims made that originate from another author's work.

2. Direct Quotations: If you are copying text verbatim from a source, you must cite it to give proper credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.

3. Common Knowledge Exceptions: Generally, well-known facts or universally accepted information do not require citations. However, what qualifies as common knowledge can vary based on the audience and context.

4. Context of the Discussion: In more contentious or specialized debates, it’s prudent to cite sources to provide credibility to your arguments, even when discussing widely recognized concepts.

In conclusion, it's crucial to cite sources when using someone else's work, regardless of whether it is a direct quote or a paraphrase, to maintain academic integrity and provide a clear trail of research for readers. Thus, the best option is: Always cite sources when applicable.