Professor says: “As many as you need.” That’s not an answer.
My friend says: “One per page minimum.” That seems fake.
I’ve seen papers with 30 sources. I’ve seen papers with 6. Both got A’s.
So what’s the actual rule?
Here’s my theory: it’s not about number. It’s about coverage. If your topic is niche (a specific poem), 5 sources might be enough. If your topic is broad (climate policy), 20 sources is light.
So my question: what’s your personal minimum for a 10-page paper? And did your professor ever call you out for too few sources? Tell me your close calls.
My friend says: “One per page minimum.” That seems fake.
I’ve seen papers with 30 sources. I’ve seen papers with 6. Both got A’s.
So what’s the actual rule?
Here’s my theory: it’s not about number. It’s about coverage. If your topic is niche (a specific poem), 5 sources might be enough. If your topic is broad (climate policy), 20 sources is light.
So my question: what’s your personal minimum for a 10-page paper? And did your professor ever call you out for too few sources? Tell me your close calls.