Q: What's the best way to use this information
(fact, quote, statistic, video clip, etc.)
in my final product?
How to choose which method of incorporating evidence to use:
These methods of incorporating evidence into your paper are helpful in different ways. Think carefully about what you need each piece of evidence to do for you in your paper, then choose the method that most suits your needs.
You should use a quotation if
A paraphrase is a good choice if
Summary is useful when
Source: Sweetland Center for Writing, Univ. of Michigan
These methods of incorporating evidence into your paper are helpful in different ways. Think carefully about what you need each piece of evidence to do for you in your paper, then choose the method that most suits your needs.
You should use a quotation if
- you are relying on the reputation of the writer of the original source to give authority or credibility to your paper.
- the original wording is so remarkable that paraphrasing would diminish it.
A paraphrase is a good choice if
- you need to provide a supporting fact or detail but the original writer’s exact words are not important.
- you need to use just one specific idea from a source and the rest of the source is not as important.
Summary is useful when
- you need to give an overview of a source to orient your reader.
- you want to provide background that leads up to the point of your paper.
Source: Sweetland Center for Writing, Univ. of Michigan
Additional Resources:
Using Evidence In Your Essay: Gives examples of effective and ineffective uses of evidence
Six Types of Evidence in Writing: Gives examples of each type
Supporting Your Thesis: Gives examples of effective use of quotations, facts & counterclaims
Using Evidence In Your Essay: Gives examples of effective and ineffective uses of evidence
Six Types of Evidence in Writing: Gives examples of each type
Supporting Your Thesis: Gives examples of effective use of quotations, facts & counterclaims