Order 1421522: With reference to trade theory and trade policy, and the data in Table 1, evaluate the arguments that have been used to support the trade protection measures adopted by the United States against China in 2018.

The introduction to an essay is very important. Here the student immediately addresses the question.

The reasons why accurate referencing is essential for academic work are not immediately apparent, particularly for students new to higher education. This essay will, therefore, examine why referencing is an essential part of academic writing and in the process address the question: ‘what is the point of referencing?’

The student introduces the main reasons for referencing.

There are three main reasons for referencing. Firstly, referencing helps student writers to construct, structure, support and communicate arguments. Secondly, references link the writer’s work to the existing body of knowledge. Thirdly, only through referencing can academic work gain credibility.

Summarises the structure of the essay.

Including a clear structure and purpose will help with writing the conclusion

This essay will discuss these three aspects of referencing in detail, examine their validity, identify how referencing affects a writer’s writing style, and show how referencing helps students to present their own ideas and opinions in assignments.

Engages with the first of the reasons for referencing: construction of arguments. Marks are awarded for developing a “line of argument”. This means that an essay is developed so that one thought or discussion point links clearly with another

The student draws on the work of a published writer (Becker) in support of the four points made. Note the systematic way the ideas are presented: ‘Firstly…; Secondly…; Thirdly…; Finally’.

Note that the writing is descriptive at this point in the essay.

Becker (1986) believes the construction of arguments is the most important function of referencing systems. There are four dimensions to this. Firstly, drawing on existing literature, academic writers can construct their own arguments - and adopting a referencing system supports this process. Secondly, it helps to structure the existing information and arguments by linking published authors to their respective works. Third, referencing helps academic writers identify sources, gather evidence, as well as show the relationships between existing knowledge. Finally, referencing also provide a framework to enable writers to structure their arguments effectively by assessing, comparing, contrasting or evaluating different sources.

The word ‘However’, signals a change of direction: the writing becomes more analytical. It goes beyond the four points described in the previous paragraph to make a new contribution to the discussion. This is especially important at L6 where grading criteria might be “weighted” in favour of critical analysis

The student illustrates the point made with a practical example (Barrow and Mosley). This is an example of using PEEEL

However, merely describing existing research, rather than producing their own contributions to the discussion, is inadequate for most academic writers. It is important for every academic writer to avoid this narrow-minded argumentation trap; academic writing is not just about compiling existing arguments, but adding new perspectives, finding new arguments, or new ways of combining existing knowledge.

For example, Barrow and Mosley (2005) combined the fields Human Resources and Brand Management to develop the ‘Employer Brand’ concept.

Develops the points made in the previous paragraph, and focuses on the importance of supporting arguments in assignments with valid evidence.

The word ‘Hence’ is a word that can be used to present a particular point of view.

When the argument has been constructed, it needs academic support – and only references can provide this required support. It is well known that academic works are not about stating opinions - as that would be akin to journalistic comment - but arguments are supported by evidence, and only arguments presented with sufficient and valid support are credible. Hence arguments are only as strong as the underlying evidence: arguments relying on questionable sources are – well, questionable.

The student is still developing the issue about construction of arguments, but moves on to an important point about referencing: that it provides a framework to distinguish the student’s ideas from those of other writers.

The student reinforces and supports the point made by citing the work of a published author. Note that a page number has been given because the student is using a direct quote

Referencing also enables writers to communicate their arguments efficiently. The referencing framework allows them to produce a holistic work with different perspectives, whilst still emphasising their own positions; quotations, for example, help the reader to differentiate the writer’s opinions from others. Again, if arguments are badly referenced, readers might not be able to distinguish the writers’ own opinions from their sources. Especially for academic beginners, referencing helps them to adapt to the precise and accurate academic writing style required for degree level study. Neville (2007: 10) emphasises this issue of writing style, and identifies the quest to “find your own voice” as one of the main reasons for referencing. In academic writing, this requires developing an individual style that is neither convoluted nor convivial in tone, but which is clear, open but measured, and is about identifying and using evidence selectively to build and support one’s own arguments.

The student paraphrases Kant (rather than another direct quote) to give interest to the writing and as a lead-in to the second of the four reasons for referencing: about linking to established bodies of knowledge. However, a year of publication is missing.

Then uses a quotation to reinforce the main point in this paragraph.

Immanuel Kant reflected that science is about organising knowledge, which captures the point that the primary mission of science and other disciplines is not to promote individual achievements, but to establish a connected, collective, and recognised body of knowledge.

This is the most fundamental reason for referencing from a theoretical point of view. Hence some authors identify this as the principal reason for referencing: “The primary reason for citation [...] is that it encourages and supports the collective construction of academic knowledge” (Walker and Taylor, 2006: 29-30).

And explains why linking into existing knowledge is important for academic writers. (PEEEL)

The writer’s references are links to this network of knowledge. Without these links an academic work would operate within an academic vacuum, unrelated to existing academic knowledge. A writer needs to show how his or her work relates to current research and debates in their chosen subject area.

The student returns to a point made earlier (about separating out own ideas from those of others) but links it this time with the issue of plagiarism.

Cites and quotes from a published source to support the points made in this paragraph. Note how the student makes a writing bridge from this paragraph to the next. (This is what we mean by linking)

Referencing not only connects a student writer’s work to existing research, but clearly distinguishes the writer’s own ideas from established arguments –and failing to indicate that ideas are taken from the existing body of knowledge would be plagiarism. This is one of the five principles of referencing identified by Walker and Taylor (2006).

Neville (2007: 9-10) also identifies the link to existing knowledge as one of the main reasons for adopting a referencing style; he highlights “tracing the origin of ideas”, “spreading knowledge” and “indicating appreciation” which leads to the next point.

The previous paragraph was largely descriptive in nature. But the word ‘however’ again signals a change to more analysis. The student brings in a criticism of referencing made by two commentators, Thody (2006) and Thompson (2003). Including different viewpoints is vital in presenting a balanced essay, especially if you have been asked to “discuss / critique”

Note the way the student makes a writing ‘bridge’ to the next paragraph

Referencing a work indicates that the writer finds the referenced material important: hence references create ‘academic clout’ in an assignment. In the global academic community a more-cited article will find more recognition. However, this practice is not without its critics. Thody (2006: 186), for example, calls this the “sycophantic” use of referencing - and it can certainly be used to “flatter your mentors.” Thompson (2003: 27) calls this “ritualized obedience to the reigning authorities.” So the important issue here is not about selecting references for their expediency value, but for their enduring quality. This leads to the next point: credibility.

This is the whole purpose of referencing: so that the reader can explore a point being made in more depth

Uses a quotation as a way into the discussion about credibility.

Also uses quotes from published authors to lend support to the points made.

Correct referencing enables, therefore, the reader to check sources and verify conclusions. The issue of credibility is identified by commentators as a key issue in referencing. Nygaard (2008:177), for example, identifies credibility as the main reason for referencing: “The goal of referencing is to enhance [...] your credibility as an author.” Neville (2007: 10) came to the same conclusion that “to be taken seriously, [a writer] needs to make a transparent presentation of valid evidence.” Also the Academic Learning Support from Central Queensland University (2007) sees the credibility of arguments as primary motive for correct referencing.

Note the way a point is introduced and then emphasised with a practical illustration: “Some readers, for example, …”

The word ‘therefore’ introduces a summary of the main point in this paragraph.

References allow the reader to trace the source of the writer’s arguments, consult the original independently and verify whether the writer’s usage of the sources is valid. Some readers, for example, interested in a point in question, might want to verify the writer’s interpretation of a referenced work. The quality of references is, therefore, extremely important for the credibility of an academic work. Arguments are only as good as the underlying references - untrustworthy and unreliable sources can even invalidate an argument, while reliable and dependable sources strengthen the writer’s argument.

‘Finally’: the student signals that the essay is reaching its conclusion. This is a good example of “signposting” to aid the reader

Finally, the writer’s selection of sources also demonstrates whether the writer has evaluated all important arguments and has a thorough understanding of the subject. Only a credible work that takes all important arguments into account will find acceptance in the academic world.

The concluding paragraph reminds the reader of the essay question and summarises the main points made in the essay. This has been linked back to the introduction and importantly DOES NOT add anything new

We are left with a sense that the student has answered the question.

Usually word counts need to be put on the front cover within HBS – check the instructions carefully

So what is the point of referencing? This essay has presented three main arguments why academic writers have to adopt a referencing system: Firstly, it helps to structure, support and communicate arguments. Secondly, it links the work to the existing body of knowledge, although it is also important for writers not merely to present the ideas of others, but to contribute where possible with innovative ideas of their own. Thirdly, only referencing can give the argument credibility – and this is a particularly significant element for success in the academic world.

The student presents all the sources cited in the essay in the author-date Harvard style of referencing.

(1200 words)

References

Academic Learning Support (Division of Teaching & Learning Services, Central Queensland University) (2007) Harvard (author-date) Referencing Guide. 2007 edn. Rockhampton, Queensland: Central Queensland University.

Barrow, S. and Mosley, R. (2005) The Employer Brand. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Becker, H. S. (1986) Writing for Social Scientists. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Neville, C. (2007) The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.

Nygaard, L. P. (2008) Writing for Scholars. Universitetforlaget.

Thody, A. (2006) Writing and Presenting Research. London: Sage Publications.

Thompson, A. (2003) ‘Tiffany, friend of people of colour.’ International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education. 16(1) pp.7-30.

Walker, J. R. and Taylor, T., (2006) The Columbia guide to online style. 2nd edn. New York: Columbia University Press.