Coursework References

Including references to books and websites can score you research marks. If you look things up, you must say what it is and where it came from. If not, your coursework could be withdrawn.

Quoting Research Sources

It is an expectation that any sources you have used – such as information or images from textbooks, websites, etc. – are clearly indicated in your coursework.

You can write this directly into your report, for example:

On page 131 of my textbook, Physics Alive, it says that 'the turning effect of a force is called its moment and is calculated by multiplying the force by the distance'.

... which is perfectly fine. However, there are a number of standard ways of stating where you found out information from (the technical term is "citing". Saying where you got it from is called a "citation"). One of the most popular of these is the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style.

The MLA Style involves giving a brief credit inside brackets at the point in your report where you have used the information. Further details of the source are then given in a Bibliography at the end of your report.

e.g. When citing from a reputable website, you should include the full internet address of the page used.

In your report:

The resistance of a wire is proportional to its length, but inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area (GCSE.com)

In your Bibliography:

e.g. If citing from a printed source, it is expected that you will include a page reference, as well as the title of the book and the author.

In your report:

Keep your mobile number private: FREE personal privacy numbers!

In your Bibliography:

The MLA Style gives the following information, exactly as shown:

Author. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year.

Using Footnotes

Another simple technique is to use numbered footnotes that get listed separately at the bottom of the page in which the reference is made. This is easy to do in programs like MS Word and is sometimes more useful than a bibliography on the back page, as markers don't need to search for the reference.

Of course, it doesn't matter one bit how you do it - just don't forget to make some sort of reference! After all, you will have to sign to say it's all your own work. Sometimes it can be obvious you've used someone else's work and this bad form could put your work in jeopardy.

SPONSORS:

Toner Cartridges
Which? Best Value supplier of inkjet/toner cartridges.
Free next-day delivery.

Got an interview?
Visit suitsmen for men's suits and coats. Free UK delivery.

Pets' things online!
Buy your pets' Frontline from Ivet.

Inkjet Cartridges
Quality inks and toners at competitive prices. Free next-day service.

Gifts for Men!
Wallets, cufflinks, ties & more. Free UK delivery.

Women's Nightwear
A fabulous selection - ideal presents for Mum!

Mens Suits
Brook Taverner: tailors of distinction since 1912.
Free delivery, free returns.

SEARCH: