Overview
In academic writing, you often support your arguments with outside sources. Whether quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing, it’s essential to use sources ethically and effectively. This topic covers how to integrate evidence smoothly and cite it correctly to strengthen your credibility and avoid plagiarism.
Key Skills for Using Sources
- Quoting: Use the exact words from the source. Keep it brief and integrate it into your sentence.
- Paraphrasing: Restate the source’s idea in your own words, maintaining the original meaning.
- Summarizing: Condense the source to its key point, especially when providing context or background.
- Signal Phrases: Introduce quotes and paraphrases with phrases like "According to Smith," or "Jones argues that..."
- Analysis: Always follow up with your interpretation or explanation of why the source matters.
How to Cite
- In-text citations: Follow the style required (MLA, APA, Chicago). Always include the author and page number or year.
- Works Cited/References: Provide a complete list of all sources used at the end of your paper.
- When to cite: Any time you quote, paraphrase, or refer to an idea that isn’t common knowledge.
MLA example: According to Garcia, “public funding improves access to education” (42).
APA example: Garcia (2020) found that "public funding improves access to education" (p. 42).
Tip: Use sources to support your points—not to make them for you. Your voice should guide the paper, with sources used as backup.
Practice Activity
Choose a quote from a recent article or news source. Practice:
- Paraphrasing the quote
- Integrating it into a sentence with a signal phrase
- Writing an in-text citation in either MLA or APA style