Library DIY

When incorporating information from other sources, you will usually either quote or paraphrase the information.

• Quotation - using the exact words from a source. Place quotation marks around the words that are not your own. Follow the quote with an in-text citation.
   
• Paraphrasing - stating the ideas from another source in your own words. Paraphrased information must still be cited. Be sure you are not just changing a word here and there (doing so is a form of plagiarism). Instead rephrase the information so that it is in your own words.

The quote or paraphrase is usually followed by further analysis of the information.

Remember to always properly cite an author's original idea, regardless of whether you have directly quoted or paraphrased it. If you have questions about how to cite properly in your chosen citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago), check out the guides from the Purdue OWL or the BVU Library Ask Me desk.  The writing tutors in the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) can offer valuable assistance, too.

Ideally, papers will contain a good balance of direct quotations, paraphrasing, and your own thoughts. Too much reliance on quotations and paraphrasing can make it seem like you are only using the work of others and are not sharing your own thinking.

Videos

Avoid plagiarism

Cite sources

Organize or create citations