Helpful Tips For Research Paper With References
A research paper is only as good as the evidence used to back up its claims. In most cases, that evidence is provided by references. Every time you make a claim in a paper, you should cite a source to defend it. And not just any source, you need quality sources. Writing an article with proper references may take more time than just writing off the top of your head, but it is worth it. If you want your work to be respected, then you need to cite sources.
Make Sure You Cite Reputable Sources
Not all citations are made equal. Imagine that you are writing an article on the English financial sector. Would you get your news from the National Enquirer or The Economist? As you look for references, keep this in mind. In general, academic papers are the most reputable sources while open source websites like Wikipedia are some of the least trustworthy. This doesn’t mean you can’t use Wikipedia. Well, written articles on that site use citations to defend their statement. Follow the citations, and you can find reputable work that you can use in your essay.
Build On Your Sources
There are two primary ways people use references. Some people write most of their paper first and then find references. Others start by doing research and crafting their paper based on the data they find. Always aim for the second path. You might be incredibly bright and creative, but you are not unique. People just as smart as you have faced many of the same questions and answered them. If you can find these sources and use their knowledge as a starting point, you can expand on what they’ve already begun. This leads to better papers that may be easier to write.
Make Sure You Cite Sources Correctly
It’s not enough to mention your sources in your writing. If you are creating an academic essay, then you need to follow the proper citation format. The particular format you use is usually determined by the person assigning the paper. Your teacher should have told you which format to use, either verbally or in writing. If you missed this detail, don’t hesitate to ask. Formatting may not seem important to you, but it might make the difference between a passing and failing grade. Click here for more info on how you can cite sources effectively.
The Art of Referencing
It can be difficult to use references at first, but as you go through the motion, your understanding will grow. In the beginning, you might find it difficult to know when a citation is needed. If there’s any doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cite references for as many claims as you can. Even if you go overboard, you will still show your dedication to the process of academic writing.
