AT A GLANCE

When to Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize

QUOTE

  • wording that is so memorable or powerful, or expresses a point so perfectly, that you cannot change it without weakening its meaning
  • authors’ opinions you wish to emphasize
  • authors’ words that show you are considering varying perspectives
  • respected authorities whose opinions support your ideas
  • authors whose opinions challenge or vary greatly from those of others in the field

PARAPHRASE

  • passages you do not wish to quote but that use details important to your point

    • SUMMARIZE

  • long passages in which the main point is important to your point but the details are not