Writing Papers with Citations
Why Should I Care?
There are different types of papers which have differing objectives and formats. In any case, they are made up of a mix of your ideas, with the ideas of other writers. It is important to understand the type of paper you are writing, so that you use the proper formats.
This lesson has 3 parts
- Definitions
- Types of Papers
- Critical Review
What is Writing Papers with Citations?
Searching for documents is one thing. However, in order to write a great paper, you need to know how to cite your research properly, and what kind of paper you are expected to write. This will allow you to use your sources more critically. There are essentially three types of papers in the world of academics: argumentative essays, annotated bibliographies, and literature reviews.
Citations, in practice, are usually done following a style guide, such as the APA style, which you can find in this manual. This section aims to present the notion of citation and its use in academic papers.
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Definitions
Citation
Any attribution of an idea, to an author. Includes both a direct quote, and a paraphrase.
In MLA and APA style, both quotes and paraphrases are cited using round brackets, or parentheses. Ex: The woods were dirty (James, 2005).
Quote
Using word for word, textual or verbal, citation. In quotation marks. Something someone has said, or wrote. Requires a reference in the bibliography.
In English, use quotation marks: “example”. In French, use chevrons << >>, or « example »
Paraphrase
An attribution that is rewritten in your own words, not textual transcription. Requires a reference in the bibliography. No quotation marks.
Bibliography
A list of documents cited in text. Usually in alphabetical order, and found at the end of the paper.
Variations in English and French
In English, “to cite” means to attribute an idea to the proper author, whether you are using your own words, or quoting exact words.
In French, to cite (citer) means to quote exact words, which excludes a paraphrase.
Also, in French, quotation marks are called angled brackets or chevrons, and need a space.
Ex: « Les Français font toujours les choses à leur façon », said my neighbour Jean-Claude.
Plagiarism
To copy someone without attribution, without reference, without citation, or without paraphrase.
This is bad!
Misappropriation
To mistakenly attribute the wrong information to the wrong person. For example, the quote is attributed to the wrong person, the quote was never spoken, the exact words were changed or the meaning was changed.
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Types of Papers
Argumentative Essay
The objective of the argumentative essay is to argue a point. Authors attempt to support their argument with facts and evidence. This type of paper is used in law, in cultural studies, in literary criticism of works of fiction, and also in the press as commentary and editorials. These papers are written in prose, and are supported by a thesis argument. You can cite sources using footnotes, or an academic style such as MLA or APA.
Annotated Bibliography
The objective of the annotated bibliography is to list documents available, with their source, and a description of their content. This type of paper is used in academic and scientific especially when there is a need for synthesizing many research results for new readers, or to establish new guidelines in a new field. It can also be for personal use. The form is a list of sources, in alphabetical order of the main author's last name, using a style such as MLA or APA.
Literature Review
The objective of the Literature Review is to present the state of knowledge as present. It helps to find gaps for future research. This is used in all scientific and technological fields. This is usually part of any research paper, and sometimes is published on its own as a whole article.
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Critical Review
As a writer, you need to critically assess the sources you are using. If a source is biased in any way, your readers will not appreciate it. Whether you are writing an essay, an annotated bibliography or a literature review, your text should be evaluating each source critically. Make sure that you look at the following aspects:
You can research these aspects by simply googling the author names and to consult their university faculty page, their personal website, their LinkedIn profile, their Google Scholar Profile page, or their ResearchGate profile, if available. Of course, a thorough review would imply reading the literature to a point where you know who the main scholars are, and their views. This is expected in the graduate levels of university scholarship (masters and PhD).
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