Ppl spend too much length of their article just repeating other ppl's thoughts. It's Ok to mention other ppl's theory. But they have to do a little bit their thinking as well.
Sometimes I think when writing graduation essay, not much effort was spent on footnote, etc. Becuase if it's properly done, maybe we will see the whole essay is just a pile of footnotes.
Doing it properly is a good way to think for yourself, not just parroting.