To finish the analogy there should be a synonym of homage such as: allegiance, loyalty, duty, tribute, deference, respect, honor. Any of these should work. Hope this helps.
The first one is the one that English teachers look for. Although a professional research paper is important, it can be accomplished without multiple sources.
Plagiarism is only the case when that one source is the only writing in your paper, or you didn't cite the source.
As for the length, I can make a pretty strong point in one paragraph.
