Notes on Quoting, Summarizing, and Paraphrasing

When? Why? How?

Quoting
When/Why

• using the original words (3-5 consecutive words) taken from a source
• individual words if specialized vocabulary
• you want to show an author's exact opinion in their own words
• not used for common knowledge.  You don't need to quote the sentence "The sun provides warmth."  Everyone knows this from personal experience.
• not for general information that would be the same in many sources.  For this type of general information summarize or paraphrase the information.

How

• use quotation marks
• use a signal phrase
• after the quote, explain the meaning in your words
• make a clear connection to your own ideas

Summarizing
When/Why

• condensing information.  large text - > shorten
• focus on main ideas
• can be used for a whole source, like a book, when introducing a source for the first time
• used to for a passage of text, several pages or paragraphs

How

• no quotation marks
• *maybe use a signal phrase 
• use parenthetical citations

Paraphrasing
When/Why

• your own words
• same amount of information as original
• change the words and structure
• change the style but not the information 

 How

• no quotation marks
• *maybe use a signal phrase 
• use parenthetical citations

*General information (like general background info: where someone was born, where he/she went to school, etc.) doesn't always need a signal phrase introduction.  You don't have to say: According to Amy White, Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh.  However, you must still give a parenthetical citation even if you don't use a signal phrase.  Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh. (White 5)  
  
*A signal phrase should definitely be used for unique opinions that are specific to that author. 


Definitions:
signal phrase; indicated author or text from which a quote is taken.  ex: According to... O
r you can use reporting verbs: state, claim, say, argue, etc.
to cite (st); to give the source of your information
parenthetical citation; shows the source of your information in parenthesis and refers to the works cited page in the back of your paper; usually: (author's last name + page #)

If there is no author then use (title p#) ex: ("Edo Pop" 3)
If you are quoting an indirect source: (qtd. in "Edo Pop" 10)