Referencing · Checklist guide · 7 min read
Make in-text citations and the reference list match
A practical audit method so every citation resolves — and every list entry earns its place.
Unbalanced references are easy for markers to spot: a name appears in parentheses with no list entry, or the list includes sources never cited. Fix this with a deliberate audit, not a quick skim.
Two-pass audit
- Pass A: search the document for “(” and author–date patterns; tick each against the list.
- Pass B: walk the reference list line by line; search the document for each surname/year.
- Remove orphans; add missing entries; fix year or spelling mismatches.
- Every in-text citation has a list entry
- Every list entry is cited (unless a bibliography is required)
- Years and author spellings match
- Style punctuation consistent throughout
Keep the draft and reference list open together until the audit passes.