THE ACADEMIC EXCHANGE
Suppose that you used the center article to support a position. In turn, your source drew on other writings, some of which are shown to the left of and below the center article. The various ways you might use this source are shown on the right-hand page.
Information Captured from Your Source
Sample Working Thesis
A clear thesis statement establishes a framework for selecting source material as useful evidence and for explaining its relevance to readers.
| WORKING THESIS | In order to counter national and worldwide trends toward obesity, agricultural communities like Grand Junction need to apply their expertise as food producers to the promotion of healthy food products. |
Quotation from an Indirect Source
A quotation from an indirect source captures the exact words of an author quoted within the source.
An 1894 action by Congress created a holiday to recognize workers who “delved and carved” to produce what Americans enjoy (qtd. in Saletan).
If possible, go to the original source to be sure that the quotation is accurate and that you are using it appropriately. (See the bottom of the left-hand page.)
Credit, though disputed, has gone to labor leader Peter McGuire for promoting the recognition of those who “delved and carved all the grandeur we behold” (US Dept. of Labor).
Quotation from a Source
A quotation captures the author’s exact words directly from the source.
As Saletan observes, “We have learned to feed ourselves,” but the success of agricultural enterprise and technology does not guarantee that well-fed people are healthy.
Paraphrase of a Source
A paraphrase captures an author’s specific ideas fully and accurately, restating them in your own words and sentences.
Though the number of hungry people drops nearly 2 percent annually, more people, including African women, are now overfed by a ratio of 3 to 2 and thus have traded the health risks of malnutrition for those of obesity (Saletan).
Summary of a Source
A summary reduces an author’s main point to essentials, using your own words and sentences.
Given that a worldwide shift in food security has led to an obesity epidemic (Saletan), consumers need lighter, healthier food options, a goal that the Grand Junction agricultural community can actively support.
MLA Works Cited Entry
