Question 1: reasons why references are used for technical or academic writing
In technical and academic writing, referencing may be applied to ensure that previous information on a certain subject is acknowledged. The writer, in this case, is able to indicate that indeed he or she has researched related literature concerning the topic at hand and provides information on what has been achieved in the topic of concern. Consequently, once the previous literature has been acknowledged, the writer is able to table his or her position based on the previous information thereby providing a basis for the argument or claim they intend to make. Thirdly, referencing is done to ensure that ...