 Hi Jane. Can you help me with the requirements for the assessments in the English class? I know we have to have references, but I'm not sure why we need to reference. Hi Jules, well, there are many reasons to reference. One is to distinguish your ideas from someone else's. By having references, it is clear what is your work and what is not. Okay, and I guess I can also cite different points of view. And the teacher also said that by referencing, the credibility of my writing will be improved. Yes, but make sure they are reliable references. So, don't use Wikipedia. Instead, journal articles will show you have done background reading and your writing will be trustworthy. Okay, and I should also integrate the references into my essay. I mean, I should not just summarize each article and then put it in a paragraph. Instead, I can compare and contrast. For sure, and comment, if you want a better grade. You can also use references to emphasize or highlight an important point. This is when you can quote a small part of an article. Okay, I understand. But will the teacher check my references? I mean I could just write any reference and it will be okay, right? No way! Your teachers see hundreds of essays and they know what is a good reference and what is a bad one. And don't be tempted to misrepresent a reference, teachers can check. Okay, I guess referencing also helps people find background information, as well as respecting the work of others. If you just take, it's the same as stealing. That's like a thief. I see you are learning fast. Yes, referencing prevents plagiarism. And there's one more thing, it's in requirement for the assessments. No citations equals a very low grade.