Relying on one book too much in an essay

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of one particular book in an essay and whether it would be considered plagiarism. It is suggested to use more books and to check if the author has written other works. It is also mentioned that using one source is not ideal but as long as proper citation is used, it is not a major issue. It is recommended to use multiple sources for research purposes.
  • #1
SoggyBottoms
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I'm currently writing an essay and I'm finding myself using and quoting one particular book a lot. Obviously I'm referencing everything, but would it be a good idea to add something like 'In particular, I will make use of Bart Simpson's excellent book 'The Excellent Book' in my exploration of...' to my preamble? I'm afraid my essay might come across as borderline plagiarism otherwise. Not because of literally copying stuff, but because my essay follows the same train of thought, so to speak.
 
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  • #2
A better idea would be to use more books.
 
  • #3
Brilliant.
 
  • #4
Does the book you're using so much have citations to other references?
 
  • #5
It does, and I've looked up those books and referenced to them instead where possible. I'm still left with a large chunk of citations to this book and outside of this book there is really not much information to be found about the subject.
 
  • #6
Have you looked to see what other things the author has written?
 
  • #7
As long as you cite things properly, it's not too terrible to use things mostly from one book. I mean, it's not ideal, but nor is it the end of the world.
 
  • #8
always try to plagiarize from at least two books.
 
  • #9
One source is plagiarism three sources are research.
 

Related to Relying on one book too much in an essay

1. Why is it important to avoid relying on one book too much in an essay?

It is important to avoid relying on one book too much in an essay because it limits the depth and breadth of your research. Using only one source can also lead to bias and lack of credibility in your argument.

2. How many sources should I use in an essay?

In general, it is recommended to use at least three to five sources in an essay. This allows for a well-rounded and well-supported argument. However, the number of sources needed may vary depending on the length and topic of the essay.

3. Can I use one book as my main source in an essay?

It is not recommended to use one book as your main source in an essay. While it is acceptable to use one book as a primary source, it is important to supplement it with other sources to provide a stronger and more well-rounded argument.

4. How can I avoid relying on one book too much in my essay?

To avoid relying on one book too much in your essay, make sure to conduct thorough research and gather information from multiple sources. You can also use a variety of sources such as books, articles, and websites to ensure a diverse range of perspectives in your essay.

5. What are the consequences of relying on one book too much in an essay?

Relying on one book too much in an essay can result in a lack of originality and depth in your argument. It can also lead to a biased or one-sided perspective, which can weaken the overall credibility of your essay. Additionally, it may result in a lower grade from your instructor if they notice a lack of variety in your sources.

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