As mentioned, referencing is a two-step process. It includes the creation of a reference list attached at the end of whatever work you’re creating, as well as the practice of in-text referencing. The latter is done by inserting a citation (in APA Style) or footnote (in Chicago style) in your text at any point that you are basing your own writing on the work of another (see also Referencing in-text in APA Style and Referencing in-text in Chicago Footnote Style). Doing so is not always easy, as it requires you to be very conscientious as you are writing. The following may help guide you:

 

1. When you Quote – copy another person’s writing, word for word – you must always write the copied text in quotation marks (“like this”), and must always include an in-text reference immediately after the quote. If your source has listed page or paragraph numbers, the page(s) or paragraph(s) where your quote is found must be included. It is important to use quotations sparingly. As mentioned above, it is important that you learn to translate the work of another into your own words and build your own argumentation.

2. If you Paraphrase – translate another person’s writing into your own words – you must also always include an in-text reference. Include (a) specific page number(s) if at all possible.

3. If you make Informed Statements – at any time you use another person’s writing as a basis for the statements you make, even if you do not actively quote or paraphrase, you should also include an in-text reference. Include (a) specific page number(s) if at all possible.

 

Students are often confused as to how often they should include in-text references. For instance, if one uses the same source throughout an entire paragraph, should you include only one in-text reference (at the end of the paragraph), or multiple (at the end of each sentence)? The short answer is to provide in-text references in such a way that doubt cannot arise in your reader as to whether your writing is based on sources or not. This means that when you use one source for an entire paragraph, you should name it as soon as you start using it (for instance, at the end of the first sentence). As long as you, through textual signs, can inform your readers that you are still using the same source, you needn’t repeat the in-text reference. But when you expect doubt may arise as to the origins of your writing, you should be safe and repeat your reference.

 

See below for an example paragraph that contains textual signs (in bold). As you see, it leaves little room for doubt; it is not necessary to repeat the in-text reference. But when in doubt – reference!