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Accessing Resources: Where Do I Start?: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing

This guide will teach students how to access information using various library resources and how to insert the information into their research papers.

Quoting

 

  • Quoting is using a writer’s original wording, exactly.

  • use small, key segments of the original text, making sure to use the exact wording.

  • Don’t over quote or quote unnecessarily long passages.  Be selective.

  • The main problem with using quotations happens when writers assume that the meaning of the quotation is obvious.  So be sure to explain it in your own words.

HOW DO I INCORPORATE QUOTES?

  • Every quotation needs to have your own words appear right before or after it, or within the same sentence.  

  • Use signal phrases to introduce quoted material

  •        X concurs that “_______” (27). (note no comma)

     

    e.g. Researcher X states, “_________”(27).

           In X’s perspective, “___________”(27).

 

HOW DO I EXPLAIN QUOTES?

  • Now that you’ve successfully used the quotation in your sentence, it’s time to explain what that quotations means—either in a general sense or in the context of your argument. 

e.g. In other words, X asserts ____________.

        In arguing this claim, X argues that __________.

        The basis of X’s argument is that ___________.

 

Avoiding Plagiarism

 

WAIT! WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?

  • It is the taking of another’s words and/or ideas without proper attribution. 

  • It is academic stealing!

  • Types: 

Copying and Pasting Plagiarism

Word Switch Plagiarism ( I call it Thesaurus plagiarism)

Style Plagiarism

Metaphor Plagiarism

Idea Plagiarism

HOW DO I AVOID IT?!

  • Always credit your sources.

  • Credit everything that isn’t “yours” unless it’s common knowledge

  • Make sure that you have changed the wording and the structure, so that it doesn’t sound like the original – if you’re paraphrasing

  • Make sure you use quotation marks, if you’re using a direct quote

 

Paraphrasing

 

 Paraphrasing is 'a restating of someone else's thoughts or ideas in your own words.

Summarizing

 

NOW, ON TO SUMMARIZING!

  • When you summarize, you are taking only the author’s main points and paraphrasing them. You’re making the original smaller. 

SO HOW DO I SUMMARIZE?

  • Once again, make sure you understand what you’re reading.

  • Then write in your own words the major points. How much depends on the assignment:

    • Article summary

    • Research Paper

  • Make sure you credit the original source.

ANY LAST ADVICE?

  • Make sure you read over your quotes, summaries and paraphrases to make sure they fit smoothly into your paper.