How to cite a source
The most common practice to cite a source for an engineering/technical papers is to include an in-text
citation when you refer to, summarize, paraphrase, or quote from another source. This can be done by
using a number enclosed in square brackets, eg.[1] or [26], placed in the text of the essay, indicates the
relevant reference.
Here are several ways to cite a source:
“We see so many global warming hotspots in North America likely because this region has "more readily
accessible climatic data and more comprehensive programs to monitor and study environmental change
. . .[1]"
"The theory of thermodynamic was first put forward in 1824 [2]."
"Ahmad et al. [3] presented that ......."
"Several recent studies [4, 5, 6] have suggested that..."
"For example, see [7]." Or “Refer to [7] for further information”
Explanation
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The first and second are examples when you use a fact from other studies or papers
The third example in when you want to mention the authors name. Please use author’s
surname. Et. al is used if there are more than 2 authors. If there are 2 authors for the paper or
article, you would use “Ahmad and Ali presented”
The fourth example is how to cite several papers or articles that mentioned the same theory,
facts, methods etc.
Sometimes, more information is necessary, but you don’t want to include everything in your
essay. You can use the fifth example for this.
For every in-text citation in your paper, there must be a corresponding entry in your reference list. There
are multiple styles of referencing such as Harvard style, MLA style, APA style and many more. For this
essay, you can use any style you wish, but please be consistent. But as a UKM student, it is good for you
to familiarize yourself with Gaya UKM or UKM Style of referencing. For more info, please refer to this
website: http://www.ukm.my/pusatsiswazah/ebook-gaya-ukm/. The very last section (“REFERENCES”) of
the word documents on this website details out the Gaya UKM referencing for citing books, journal article,
technical report, thesis etc.
Based on the above example, you should have 7 sources listed in your list of references at the end of
your essay. This list of references should be titled as “Bibliography” or “References”. Please refer below
for example of this section.
REFERENCES
[1] Christina Nunez. 2019. Cause and Effect of Climate Changes.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-overview/
[2] Micheal J. Moran, Howard Shapiro & Margeret Bailey. 2008. Fundamentals of Engineering of
Thermodynamics, Wiley
[3] Adnan Ahmad, Fazlina Ali, Lim, L.C. & Lee., K.H. 2002. Finite element analysis of Vickers cracking
processes in brittle solids using elements exhibiting cohesive pre failure behaviour. Journal of
Materials Science, 38(2), 235–243.
[4]