Why reference?

Argument

Referencing justifies argument etc. by showing the sources of facts and ideas that support it.

Different sources

Different sources include key ideas from other writers. Referencing gives them due credit.

Acknowledge

References acknowledge the work of others.

Good academic practice

Referencing is good academic practice and using either direct or indirect quotations shows you have read into your topic.

Plagiarism

Unless you provide references you will be considered to have committed plagiarism for which there are serious penalties.

Misconception

It is a misconception among some students that by referencing their work their tutors will think they don't know enough and will lower their grades. Not so - referencing gives evidence of scholarship!