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There are three ways to include sources into an essay or report: Paraphrasing, Summarizing or Quoting.
Quotations are:
- Identical to the original, matching word for word
- Placed in quotation marks (if longer than 4 lines of text, place in a block of text without quotes)
- Includes a citation (the source)
Paraphrasing is:
- Putting a passage in your own words
- Is usually shorter than the original material
- Does not need quotation marks
- Includes a citation (source)
Summarizing is:
- Putting the main idea(s) into your own words
- Only includes main points
- Is shorter than the original material
- Includes a citation
You can include all three in an essay or report.
How can you do this?
- Read an entire text, noting main ideas and key points.
- Put the main idea(s) of the text in your own words.
- Paraphrase points that support the main ideas.
- Include quotations, if desired. Quotes that are more than four lines can be placed in a free-standing block of text without quotes.
- Record all sources so that you can include them in your paper.
Compare Paraphrased Examples