29 Introduction to Using Sources: Becoming an Authority in the Academic Conversation

In the realm of academic writing, sources are not mere decorations; they are the bedrock upon which strong arguments are built. Whether you’re crafting a persuasive essay, conducting a research project, or writing a scholarly article, the ability to effectively integrate and utilize sources is paramount. This chapter serves as your gateway to understanding the vital role sources play in academic discourse and beyond.

Why Sources Matter: More Than Just Filling Space

I frequently hear students say, “I have enough to say without using sources.” They feel their own thoughts are sufficient. But here’s the thing: in academic writing, you’re not just expressing opinions; you’re establishing yourself as an authority on the subject. And that’s where sources come in.

Think about the word “author” and “authority.” They’re closely related. As a student writer, you’re becoming an author, but you don’t yet have the established credentials of a seasoned expert. You build that authority by relying on the credentials of others—by using sources.

Using sources effectively is what will truly set your writing apart at the college level. This is difficult for many college students because their practice in high school was focused on the functions of finding sources, using quotations, and citing. At the college level, you need to take those sources and do something with them, more than just plugging them into the paper. You need to engage with them.

Beyond the Classroom: The Importance of Source Literacy

The skills you develop in using sources extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. In today’s information-saturated world, the ability to find, evaluate, and synthesize information is crucial for success in virtually any career. Whether you’re a journalist, a scientist, a business professional, or a public servant, you’ll need to be able to:

• Conduct Research: Effectively gather information from a variety of sources to inform your decisions and actions.
• Evaluate Information: Critically assess the credibility and reliability of information sources, especially in the age of misinformation.
• Communicate Effectively: Clearly and accurately present information to others, using sources to support your claims and build trust.

Engaging with Sources: Beyond Acceptance

Something important to understand about sources is that you do not need to agree with everything that is written. In K-12 grades, you may have viewed published materials as authorities to be accepted, things to contribute to your growing pile of stored information. K-12 students rarely argue with the information presented to them.

Now that you are in college, you are encouraged to take everything with a grain of salt. Listen but then consider, weigh, and evaluate the information by comparing it to other things you’ve learned, to your own opinions, and to other sources. You may find many sources that contradict each other. They are all contributing to the larger body of knowledge, but they are also contributing various perspectives. They leave it to you to choose how that information can be pieced together to find meaning. You are not just a passive recipient of information; you are an active participant in the creation of knowledge.

Reading Questions:

1. Remembering: According to the chapter, what is the connection between the words “author” and “authority” in the context of academic writing?
2. Understanding: Explain in your own words why simply “plugging” sources into a paper is insufficient at the college level.
3. Application: How does the chapter suggest using sources to establish yourself as an “authority” on a subject, even as a student writer?
4. Analysis: Why does the chapter emphasize the importance of evaluating the credibility and reliability of information sources, especially in today’s world?
5. Synthesis: Combine the ideas of “engaging with sources critically” and “contributing to the creation of knowledge” to describe how you would approach using sources in an argumentative essay, moving beyond simply accepting them.
6. Evaluation: Based on the information in the chapter, what conclusions can you draw about the importance of source literacy and the effective use of sources in academic and professional contexts?