Term Paper References

Term paper references are those tools without which you cannot write. Your writing should be a reflection of your thought process but in order to prove that what you are arguing is correct you will have to use quotations from the works of authors who are experts in the subject on which you are attempting to write.

Whenever you will be given an assignment to do you will be instructed about the number of sources to consult. You should never compromise on the desired number of sources, as your grades will suffer if you do not follow the instructions promptly. Sometimes you would get hold of more sources than what has been asked by your tutor. Making quotations from one or two more sources would not make much of a difference but it is advisable to consult your tutor. Some tutors would appreciate the fact that you have researched more than what you were asked to do while some tutors might not consider it appropriate. So it's better to know the tutor's point of view in such circumstances.

It is always better to use a mix of sources while doing a research. Suppose you have been asked to consult 6 sources. You can consult two books, two journals and two websites. You can also consult four books, one journal and one website. The number of sources you use under each category is a matter of what information you have been able to gather. Sometimes you might not get enough books or journals on the topic you are writing, and then you can use one book, one journal and four websites. What ever the circumstances are always try to incorporate some or the other form of print sources. Use of only the websites would give your tutor an impression that you have not bothered to research in the library, which is the most traditional and credible form of research.

If the limit of websites has been given then never use more than what has been specified. Sometimes you would be asked to quote from sources, which are not older than a given period of time. Suppose you have been asked to use material that has been published after the year 1998, then no matter how useful books and journals you get, if they are published before the given year then they do not qualify to get quoted in your work.

All the ideas of other authors that you are using should be properly cited otherwise you would be charged of plagiarism. There are many styles in which the quotations are made. Some of the popular ones are MLA, APA. Harvard etc. You should always follow the desired style. If your tutor has not mentioned any particular style, then talk to him about it before beginning your work.

Term paper references are written on a separate page at the end of the essay apart from the quotations within the essay. This page is also known as the bibliography page. The bibliography should also follow the instructed style. Never underestimate the importance of sources. They are the backbone of all the academic writings.