Integrating sources
Using sources well means weaving them into your own argument, not dropping them in. Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarising each have a role.
Quoting
Quote when the exact wording matters: a striking phrase, a precise definition, a controversial statement, or language you will analyse. Keep quotations short and use them sparingly. Long quotations can bury your own voice.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing restates a specific passage in your own words and sentence structure, at about the same length. It shows you understand the source and keeps your voice consistent. A paraphrase still needs a citation, because the ideas belong to the source.
Summarising
Summarising condenses the main ideas of a longer passage or whole work into a few sentences. It is useful for giving background or for showing the gist of a source's argument before responding to it. Summaries, too, must be cited.
Patchwriting
Patchwriting is swapping a few words in a source's sentences while keeping its structure. It is a common mistake and can count as plagiarism. To avoid it, read the passage, close the source, write the idea from memory, then check for accuracy and accidental copying.
Signal phrases
Introduce sources with signal phrases that name the source and frame its role: 'According to economist Esther Duflo...', 'As the WHO reports...', 'Critics such as... argue that...'. Varying verbs, such as argues, claims, notes, concedes, warns, signals your view of the source's stance.
The quotation sandwich
A useful pattern is to introduce the quotation (signal phrase and context), present it, then explain it (what it means and how it supports your point). Never let a quotation stand alone as a paragraph's final sentence without explanation: readers need your interpretation.
The 'so what?' move
After presenting evidence, ask 'so what?': why does this matter for your argument? Spell out the connection. Strong writers spend more words analysing evidence than presenting it, moving from what the source says to what it means and why it matters.
Worked example
Weak: 'Sleep is important. "Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep" (CDC).' Stronger: 'Health authorities agree teenagers are chronically short of sleep. The CDC recommends that teens get 8 to 10 hours per night, yet most high schools start before 8 a.m. If biology pushes teenagers' sleep later, early start times guarantee a sleep deficit, which is why later start times deserve serious consideration.'
Key takeaways
Quote when wording matters; paraphrase specific passages in your own words; summarise main ideas. All three need citations. Avoid patchwriting by writing from understanding, not by swapping words. Use signal phrases with well-chosen verbs. Sandwich quotations with introduction and explanation. Always answer 'so what?' to connect evidence to your argument.
Flashcard
Exact words from a source
Check your understanding
A student replaces a few words in a source sentence but keeps its structure. What is this called?