Final answer:
Signal phrases are used to introduce and attribute information from external sources in academic writing. They help to promote academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Purpose of a Signal Phrase
A signal phrase is used in academic writing, specifically in-text citations, to indicate that information or ideas being presented are from an external source. Its purpose is to introduce the source, provide context, and attribute the information to the original author.
For example:
'According to Smith (2018),' or 'In a study conducted by Johnson and White (2020),'
Importance of Signal Phrases
Signal phrases help to differentiate between the writer's own ideas and those borrowed from other sources, which promotes academic integrity and avoids plagiarism. They also allow readers to locate the full citation in the reference list at the end of a document if they want to explore the source further.
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