How to Reference your writing: Part 1

Hey there! As a student, I’m sure you know how important it is to reference your sources when writing a paper or report. Not only is it the ethical thing to do, but it also allows your readers to access the sources that you used and verify the information you presented. Plus, it shows your professors that you did your research and didn’t just pull information out of thin air (or worse, someone else’s work).

But let’s be real, referencing can be a pain in the butt. There are so many different citation styles and guidelines to follow, it’s enough to make your head spin. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this blog, I’ll go over the basics of referencing and provide some tips to make the process a little less painful.

Why is referencing important?

Okay, so we already covered the ethical reasons for referencing (giving credit where credit is due and not committing plagiarism). But there are a few more benefits to keep in mind:

It helps your readers locate the sources you used and verify the information you presented. No one likes a liar, so make it easy for them to check your work.

It demonstrates the breadth and depth of your research. The more sources you use, the more impressive your paper will look (bonus points if you use some obscure sources).