Here's why:
* Plagiarism: Failing to cite sources is plagiarism, even if you rephrase the information. It's considered intellectual theft and can have serious consequences.
* Academic Integrity: Proper attribution is essential for maintaining academic integrity and demonstrating your ethical research practices.
* Reader Trust: Citing sources builds trust with your readers, showing that your information is reliable and backed by evidence.
* Avoiding Misinterpretation: Clear attribution prevents your readers from mistaking your own ideas for those of the original author.
How to Give Credit:
* Direct Quotation: Use quotation marks and cite the source.
* Paraphrasing: Reword the information in your own words, but still cite the source.
* Summarizing: Provide a brief overview of the key points, but cite the source.
Always remember to cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.