Which of the following is NOT true regarding the use of a direct quotation in academic writing?

The statement about changing the wording of a direct quotation while keeping the idea and not requiring a citation is incorrect. In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper attribution to the original source whenever you use someone else's ideas, whether in exact words or paraphrased. This principle of properly citing sources helps maintain academic integrity and allows readers to trace the original author's work.

Using direct quotations requires careful attention to the way the information is presented. If you alter the wording, you transition from a direct quotation to paraphrasing, which still necessitates proper citation. This ensures that the origin of the ideas, regardless of how they are expressed, is acknowledged and credited. Therefore, the requirement for citation remains consistent in both direct and paraphrased content in academic writing, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in scholarly work.