Preparing citations in academic writing

What is a citation? A citation is a reference to a specific book, periodical or media item. It leads a reader to the source where the information can be found. We need to provide proper citations in order :

  • To acknowledge the original authors
  • To provide evidence that reports are supported by valid facts
  • To avoid accusations of plagiarism
  • To serve as a guide for other researchers


According to the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, to “plagiarize” means :

  • to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own
  • to use (another’s production) without crediting the source
  • to commit literary theft
  • to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

The following slide is a guide on how you can provide proper citations and give credit to other authors whose work are used to support your arguements in academic writing.

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