Three Most Common Referencing Mistakes You Should Try To Avoid

Students often prefer using online tools when it comes to referencing. Many of you may use Chicago referencing generator if you are unable to follow the Chicago format. Others may get professional help to get the citations done easily. 

Whether you cite the sources on your own or get online help, make sure it is devoid oferrors. Here are a few referencing errors that can cost you valuable marks. So be careful and avoid making these mistakes while referencing.

1.Incorrect punctuation 

An incorrectly placed comma or period can render your citations erroneous. You may have worked hard for the assignment. But, one small mistake in the referencing can bring down the entire quality of your paper. In Chicago referencing, the comma is usually placed after the author’s surname. 

Example

Williams, Peter. The Effects of Global Warming. New York: Henry Holt, 1999.

Similarly, you need to take care of the full stops and parenthesis as well. Use an online Chicago referencing generator if you are confused regarding the format. Do not forget to check the manual of your citation style. It will help you stay up to date with the citation rules.

2.No citations while paraphrasing 

Paraphrasing is quite a common technique for students to use information from different sources in their assignments. In this case, you state someone else’s ideas in your words. You may change the words, but you are still using the information from someone else's work. Thus, you must cite the sources even when you paraphrase.

Talk to your professors and use the format instructed by them. Say they have asked you to follow Vancouver referencing style. So you can use a Vancouver referencing generator and get the citations done quickly.

3.Inconsistent citation style 

There are a variety of citation styles out there. Each style caters to a specific subject, course or university. You need to follow the format that has been specified by your university. Make sure you abide by that style throughout the in-text citations and reference lists. You can’t expect good marks if you mix different citation styles in an assignment( https://myassignmenthelp.com/us/ ). 

So double-check your citations after you are done writing your paper. Start with a fresh mind and list down all the citations accurately. Ask your friend or seniors to proofread the citations for you. 

Adding citations can be a bit tricky and confusing. But, you can be a better writer if you remember what referencing or citation errors to avoid.