Final answer:
Essays are generally considered invalid without proper citations as they are essential for differentiating the author's ideas from sourced content, and for maintaining academic integrity. Citations include both in-text references and a corresponding Works Cited or References page, and provide support to the writer's arguments while ensuring credibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Essays with few or no citations are often regarded as lacking credibility and may be considered invalid. This is because citations are crucial for distinguishing between the writer's own ideas and the information derived from other sources. Without proper citation, it becomes difficult for readers to differentiate original content from borrowed material, which could potentially lead to allegations of plagiarism. In academic writing, emphasis should always be on the author's original thoughts, with sources providing support to arguments rather than dominating the text. Correct citation practice involves both in-text citations and a matching reference list or Works Cited page. It's imperative to remember that attributing credit to the original authors of the sourced content strengthens the ethos of your research.
Moreover, relying heavily on sources, without a significant portion of the work representing original ideas, analysis, or interpretation, can detract from the overall quality and objective voice of the paper. An essay should reflect a balance of source information and the writer's own synthesis and analysis. Claims and arguments articulated in the essay should be supported by credible evidence, and the paper should be organized in a manner that highlights and supports these claims. Integrated and properly attributed citations ensure that the essay reads smoothly and maintains academic integrity.