18a Decide whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize.

You tentatively decided to quote, paraphrase, or summarize material when you took notes on your sources (17f). As you choose some of these sources for your research project and decide how to use them, however, you may reevaluate those decisions. The following guidelines can help you decide whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize.

When to Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize

AT A GLANCE

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