Referencing and citation acknowledge the contribution made by other experts, authors, and writers in your work. Collecting information from professionals who have contributed to the same field is important when working on any university-based assignment.  

Similarly, referencing is also a way of giving credit to the writers from whom you are driving information and gaining insight. So, when you cite their work, you show respect and recognize the intellectual rights of the researchers.  

Thus, whenever you are working on academic writing, you need to cite the sources you are using. It might be a high school essay or a dissertation, but your piece of writing needs to be verified with reliable sources.  

In this article, you will discover the reason why to use a reference and when to cite a reference in your academic paper.  

Reason To Add Citation And Reference  

Here are some important reasons you must add references and citations to your academic paper. 

1. Assist Academic Writers Avoid Plagiarism  

Plagiarism is detected when you add direct information from credible sources. Hence, consider this as one of the gravest academic offenses you can do in your research or essay paper.  

However, if the professor detects plagiarism, it might result in poor grades and outright expulsion. In these cases, you will have to face strict repercussions. This can be extended to heavy fines or rustication from your university.  

Therefore, the citation of reliable sources is important, and where you can rightfully attribute researchers’ information to your original work.  

2. Ensures Readers Validate Information  

Citation of relevant sources is necessary because it assists readers in meticulous assessment of information.  

However, accurate citation allows readers to juxtapose the information of the cited work against the other text. 

Therefore, when you cite, it will allow you to conduct independent research on the subject you are pursuing. Moreover, this will help them gain insights on relevant topics.  

3. Evidence To Support Assertions  

Referencing is a way to offer evidence to support the assertions and claims in your work.  

You need to highlight the author to cite a particular journal or book. This showcases that you are aware of the author’s field of study.   

However, you can appoint a professional essay writer if you find it difficult or confusing to understand the correct referencing style. These experts will help you with the right citation and referencing style.  

Thus, the citation will automatically map the space in your discipline and allow you to navigate your way through your chosen area of study.  

4. Builds Strong Reference  

Citing high-quality references forms a prerequisite for any well-written academic paper. Furthermore, it will offer you exceptional research information and statistical references that are logically consistent and carry the declaration of prominent scholars.  

When authors cite such references in the text, it factualizes that they are well-read and conceptualized. It further gives them a knack for validating quality search literature.  

Hence, when you cite a particular reference, authors eventually learn about your work, thereby earning you the respect of your heroes. 

5. Highlights Credibility  

Focusing on the references strengthens your research and enhances the reputation among the readers, editors, and reviewers.  

However, when an editor interprets information, the reference indicates a sign of intellectual smartness, greater thinking, and an accurate writing approach for the author. 

Thus, citing will show your professor that you have conducted proper research by listing the sources at the end of the paper.  

When To Cite In Essay? 

Here are five areas where you need to add citations when writing an essay: 

1. Summarizing 

When you include a short description of a particular person, place, current updates, or other information, you need to add a citation. This is because you continue to borrow original information from the author.  

The summaries are shorter than the original content, and they address salient topics included by the author.  

Therefore, the citation should occur in every alternative sentence that incorporates materials from the author. Furthermore, even if your entire paragraph is a summary, you need to cite each sentence rather than right at the end of the paragraph.  

2. Quoting  

You must provide an in-text citation whenever you use a particular sentence or quote from a specific author. In addition to that, add quotations to denote that it is not your original work.  

However, use quotations sparingly. Too many quotes can make it difficult for reviewers to evaluate your understanding.   

Remember, you should quote at most three lines consecutively.  

3. Paraphrasing  

In paraphrasing, you need to rephrase the original idea. Thus, you should do more than just add keywords or phrases and call it your idea.  

Even if you directly do not quote a sentence or might not choose to paraphrase it, you still need to add in-texting.  

Ensure that you do not copy the same words and sentences. Negligence might lead to plagiarism of your own work.  

4. Indebtedness  

If a particular information contributes to your understanding of the material, you must add a citation, even if you do not directly add a reference.  

This includes anyone who helps you clarify the argument, such as key theory or other corresponding information you have in the literature.  

Therefore, you can include references in the bibliography format of your essay.  

5. Statistics, Information And Data 

Any time you use facts, dates, or statistical information, you should cite the sources. It is particularly significant to create your own argument from reliable sources. 

For instance, using information from a company’s report to mention the estimated sales of a particular year.  

Therefore, you need to seek out credible sources when you include these items in your writing.  

List Of Sources To Add Reference From 

Any information, idea, or words taken from any of the below-mentioned sources requires a reference, and they are: 

Newspaper. 

Magazine. 

Books and journal articles. 

Brochures and pamphlets. 

Website. 

Documents. 

Television advertisements and programs. 

Personal interviews. 

Letters and emails. 

Lecture notes from the tutor. 

Official website. 

Add citations and references for the illustration, diagram, and figures from credible sources.  

Summing Up  

The significance of citations and references mainly lies in their academic integrity.  

Thus, academic writing is research-oriented and forms the most defining attribute. As an academic writer, you must constantly refer to and review credible information in the student field.  

This will ensure you succor the academic argument and divulge the content to the readers.  

Hence, this is where the concept and significance of citation come into the picture. Remember to cite websites, books, research papers, and ilk that writers ascribe to use specific citation styles.