Referencing is a way of demonstrating the ideas or information from a number of sources you have used in your assignments or written work to avoid plagiarism.
- To avoid plagiarism.
- To acknowledge the source.
- To show evidence of the breadth and depth of your reading.
- To support your work with the authoritative work of another author.
- To enable readers of your work to trace the original source of information or ideas that you have used.
A reference or citation is required when you:
- Directly quote another person word for word.
- Paraphrase or summarise ideas or data obtained from another source.
- Use statistics in your work obtained from another source.
- Use tables, figures, diagrams or images created by someone else.
- Use theories, controversial facts, opinions or dates from another source.
Referencing Style
In any assignment, proper referencing is important to avoid plagiarism. There are many referencing styles available and each style has its own conventions. The referencing style you are required to use depends on what course you are doing. You should always check your assignment requirement or contact your lecturer if you are unsure about which style to use. Do not mix referencing styles within a single paper.
Which referencing style to use?
| Programme | Referencing style | Maintained by |
| A-Levels FIB WACE Certificate Diploma |
Sunway College Johor Bahru | |
| MUFY | Monash University | |
| VU Degree VU English for Business |
Victoria University |
Downloadable Guides
| Quick guide and checklist | Citation generator |
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Further Readings
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by Call Number: BF76.7 P97 2020ISBN: 9781433832161Publication Date: 2019-10-01Edition: 7th edition
Cite them right: The essential referencing guide by Call Number: PN171.F56 P36 2022ISBN: 9781350933453Publication Date: 2022-06-16Edition: 12th edition
