Which phrase is the best definition of the word citations in the second sentence? footnotes are great when writing an article. some readers, however, will want to know where the data about the topic came from, so using citations is an excellent way to ensure your work is legitimate. a. short notes recognizing sources of information b. authors of research material c. outlines used to organize writing d. paragraphs in a research paper that support a thesis

The correct answer is A. Short notes recognizing sources of information

Explanation:

The excerpt presented suggest by using "citations" the writer can ensure his work is legitimate, which means citations clarify whether the writer included ideas from a different source and also the excerpt clarifies citations tell the readers about the origin of the information included as it "Some readers, however, will want to know where the data about the topic came from". Considering this, according to the information provided citations include information to acknowledge the use of other sources and therefore the phrase that best defines citation is "short notes recognizing sources of information".