Module 5: Use and Cite Information Correctly, Decide when to Quote, Paraphrase, and Summarize (4 pages 1, 2, 3, 4) what's this?
| Learn about Plagiarism | Decide when to Quote | Learn to Paraphrase | Learn to Summarize | Find Additional Resources | Use APA or MLA Style |
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When
should you use quotes? Using quotations is the easiest way to include source material, but quotations should be used carefully and sparingly. While paraphrasing and summarizing provide the opportunity to show your understanding of the source material, quoting may only show your ability to type it. Having said that, there are a few very good reasons that you might want to use a quote rather than a paraphrase or summary: |
1. Accuracy: You
are unable to paraphrase or summarize the source material without changing
the author’s intent.
2. Authority:
You may want to use a quote to lend expert authority for your
assertion or to provide source material for analysis.
3. Conciseness:
Your attempts to paraphrase or summarize are awkward or much longer than
the source material.
4. Unforgettable
language:
You believe that the words of the author are memorable or remarkable
because of their effectiveness or historical flavor.
When
you decide to quote, be careful of relying too much upon one source or
quoting too much of a source and make sure that your use of the quote
demonstrates an understanding of the source material.
Essentially, you want to avoid having a paper that is a string of
quotes with occasional input from you.
Think
of the quote as a rare and precious jewel.
Choose next to learn about when you should paraphrase.
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Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, and
Summer Leibensperger.
Created 2003 by Summer Leibensperger.
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