What is Common Knowledge?
Answer
Common knowledge is factual information that is not controversial or debated..
While it is called common knowledge, it does not mean that everyone knows the information. It is common in that it will be found to be identical in 5 or more sources like encyclopedias or textbooks.
This can include dates, scientific facts, facts about history or a person’s life, geography, and more.
Examples:
George Washington was the first president of the United States.
Louisiana is east of Texas.
Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice.
Common knowledge does not need to be cited, unless you quote it. If you’re uncertain if something is common knowledge or not, you can cite it or ask a librarian for help.