An essential part of writing various scientific texts is using the read information as part of the text. The texts are polyphonic because they contain references to the thoughts and studies of others, as well as the author’s own interpretation. The author can interpret, comment, justify and further construct the texts of others.
The materials in the texts may be different. The key issues related to the use of materials are referencing and citation. As stated earlier, texts are always based in some way on pre-existing information. This is why it is important to know how to use different types of information correctly. Referencing means writing some information or content in your own words. In referencing what is said is told by speaking or writing. In everyday life, we actually refer a lot. For example, when we explain the twists and turns of the series we are looking at, we refer to what we have seen. The principles of referencing in knowledge-based texts include ethics and clarity. The author must not refer to the text in such a way that the original content of the text changes. In addition, one must always show where the referenced information is from. This is done with citation.
For a novice author of knowledge-based or research texts, a commentary paper can be a good way to structure their own thinking. Writing notes is a big help in writing your own text. Direct copying of text from a source does not develop the author’s thinking. If the author uses a lot of direct quotations in his text, it gives the impression that the author is not familiar enough. Information is available from many places and is often also easy to copy. In this case, it should be remembered that as a student you are responsible for the texts you produce, and the content used in them. See here for more details on the use of quotes in the text.
The following things can be used as support when reading new text:
When the author refers to a text, he points out how something has been handled or how it is treated in the original text. Examples of reference verbs include express, state, describe, believe, assume, be, argue, guess, evaluate, define, reflect, doubt, interpret, and assume. All of these express different attitudes and different degrees of certainty. If something is disputed in the original text, it is a strong expression.