Tips for quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing:
- Remember, all three methods require a citation! See our Citation Styles page for more on how to do this.
- Limit block quotes (long, direct quotations from a source) as much as possible.
- Don't do this: "A quotation from a source without any explanation." It's called a dropped quote, it just sits in a paragraph on its own. Always explain where a quotation is from and why it's interesting. Analyze its language and explain its relevance to the research question you are pursuing.
- Introducing and commenting on every quotation, paraphrase, and summary makes it easier to distinguish your voice from the source's.
- Summaries are handy when you need to explain a lot of sources in a small space, to help the reader understand the background of your topic. Choose your words carefully to emphasize the most relevant aspects of longer passages.