How should Ruthie cite her sources in her informal report?

Using her best judgment to ensure proper attribution is the most appropriate approach for citing sources in an informal report. Informal reports typically have more flexibility in their structure and citation methods compared to formal reports. This allows Ruthie to use a more conversational tone while still providing necessary credit to the ideas and contributions of others. By exercising her judgment, she can balance clarity and the ease of reading with the need to recognize the sources that informed her work.

In informal settings, rigid adherence to strict citation styles or the exclusive use of footnotes might not be practical. Instead, Ruthie can opt for straightforward attributions within the text itself—such as mentioning the author's name and the source in a natural way—ensuring that readers can easily follow who said what without disrupting the flow of her narrative. Hence, this choice allows for a blend of professionalism and accessibility in her writing. Providing a bibliography at the end could be seen as excessive in an informal report unless specifically required, and while it is important to acknowledge sources, it should fit the context and audience of the report.