Studying in China: referencing sources and avoiding plagiarism

13 November 2026 · Redream team

Your first university assignment in another language can feel unfamiliar. Referencing sources in China starts with separating what you have read from your own argument. This practical guide helps Moroccan students organise that process, from undergraduate coursework to postgraduate research.

1. Read the assignment brief first

Write down the question, deadline, length, language and required referencing style. XJTLU’s referencing guide explains that requirements depend on the department or course. Do not automatically use APA, Harvard or IEEE for every assignment.

Ask for an approved example if instructions are unclear. Our attendance and exams guide can also help you plan coursework alongside other semester requirements.

2. Keep a record for each source

Save the author, title, year, link or DOI and relevant page numbers. Add one sentence about how the source supports your argument. A folder of unlabelled links can be surprisingly difficult to use when drafting.

• Begin with recommended readings and your university library’s resources.
• Read the original passage before citing it, rather than relying only on someone else’s summary.
• Give downloaded files clear names using the author, year and topic.

3. Separate quotation, paraphrase and analysis

A quotation repeats the exact words and must be clearly marked. A paraphrase uses your wording but still credits the source. XJTLU’s plagiarism guidance also reminds students to acknowledge borrowed images and tables.

Invented example: suppose a source says that scheduling revision helps students prepare. Replacing “scheduling” with “organising” does not create your own analysis. Understand the idea, express it accurately, cite it, then explain how it relates to your research question. This example is not attributed to a real study.

4. Organise notes before drafting

Use three headings: source idea, reference details and personal comment. Mark any copied wording immediately so it cannot accidentally become part of your own prose. A reference manager may help, but check imported details and formatting before submission.

For a dissertation or thesis, agree on a method with your supervisor early. See our research supervisor guide to prepare for that stage.

5. Check what assistance is allowed

Before using a peer’s help, translation service or artificial intelligence tool, ask what the assignment permits and how assistance should be acknowledged. XJTLU’s academic integrity policy addresses permitted uses and attribution. It is an institutional example, not a single policy for all Chinese universities.

6. Read similarity results thoughtfully

If your institution provides a similarity report, review the highlighted passages and their sources. A low percentage is not a universal guarantee that an assignment is acceptable. The policy linked above requires academic judgement when interpreting results; ask your lecturer about unclear matches.

7. Your submission checklist

• Does each section answer the assignment question?
• Is directly quoted wording clearly identified?
• Do in-text citations match the final reference list?
• Have you checked authors, years, pages and links?
• Have you followed rules on digital assistance and collaboration?
• Have you opened and reviewed the actual file you will submit?

Frequently asked questions

Do I cite an idea written in my own words?

Yes, when it comes from an identifiable source. Changing the wording does not change the origin of the idea.

Is one referencing style used throughout China?

Do not assume so. Follow your department, course and supervisor’s instructions.

What if I do not understand referencing feedback?

Take your paragraph and its source to the lecturer or library and ask for an example before submitting.

Sources reviewed on 13 November 2026. General guidance: your institution’s and course’s instructions take priority.

Photo: Fer Troulik / Unsplash.