👉 A relationship or relation (to something).
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! That definition from the dictionary – “A relationship or relation (to something)” – it’s a good starting point, but it needs a little more spice. Think of "references" as much more than just a simple connection. Let's put it this way: When you write an essay, a research paper, or even create artwork, you’re drawing on ideas and information from somewhere else . You’re building upon what others have already said, done, or created. References are those “somewhere elses.” They’re the sources you use to support your work. They're like little breadcrumbs that lead back to where your ideas came from. Think of it like this: You bake a delicious cake (that's your work!). To show everyone where you got your recipe, you list all the ingredients and the cookbooks you used - those are your references! Here’s a rhyme to help you remember: "References tell us where you see, The building blocks of what you decree. From books and websites, clear and bright, They guide your work with factual light!" We'll be diving deeper into how to properly cite references – MLA, APA, Chicago – in a bit. But for now, understand that references are the sources you’re borrowing from to make your own work stronger and more credible. Do you have any questions about what we just covered?
