Today you will
- learn the six parts of a reference
- make a document called {{code:sm4_references}}
- write at least three references from your search log
Warm-up
Someone shares a bold claim online with no name and no link. Would you put it in your Work Experience report?
Before you start, open {{code:sm4_search_log}} in {{code:Project_Portfolio}}, then {{code:09_specialism}}, then {{code:sm4}}. If you can't find it, tell your teacher.
A reference is a short record of where you found something, so someone else can find the same page.
Every reference has six fields, always in the same order.
The date accessed is the day you opened the page. You must always have it.
If a page shows no date published, write not stated.
The pattern: 1. Organisation or author. Title of the page. Site or publisher name. Date published: DD Month YYYY or not stated. Full page URL. Accessed: DD Month YYYY.
Example: 1. Citizens Information. Starting a business. Citizens Information. Date published: not stated. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/types-of-employment/self-employment/starting-a-business/. Accessed: 3 September 2026.
You will make {{code:sm4_references}} and type two sample references into it. Under them, you will leave six blank lines, one for each field, ready for your own source. Watch your teacher first, then follow the steps in the box below.
Investigation reference list
Sources for my Something Real investigation (model samples first, project sources next).
1. Citizens Information. Starting a business. Citizens Information. Date published: not stated. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/types-of-employment/self-employment/starting-a-business/. Accessed: 3 September 2026.
2. Local Enterprise Office. Supports for start-ups. Local Enterprise Offices. Date published: not stated. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Start-Your-Business/. Accessed: 3 September 2026.
My project sources
3. Organisation:
Title:
Site:
Date published:
URL:
Accessed:
Common issues
- My log only has a URL. Open the page again to find its organisation and main heading.
- The page has no date published. Write not stated, but always add the date accessed.
- My references all look different. Use the same six fields in the same order every time.
- I can't find {{code:sm4_search_log}}. Tell your teacher, who will help you catch up.
Your first reference
Watch your teacher first.
- Open one URL from your {{code:sm4_search_log}}.
- Fill in entry 3 under {{code:My project sources}}.
- Ask your teacher to check it.
- The organisation is at the top of the page.
- The title is the main heading.
- The site name is in the footer.
- If there is no date published, write not stated.
- Copy the URL from the address bar.
- Date accessed is today's date.
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