If readers are unlikely to be familiar with a word, a phrase, or an idea important to your topic, you must explain it for them. Quoting or paraphrasing a source can help you define terms and concepts in neutral, accessible language.
The Civil War practice of giving no quarter to an ememy—in other words “denying [an enemy] the right of survival”—defied Lincoln’s mandate for humane and merciful treatment of prisoners.9
Exercise: Thesis statements in Chicago (CMS) papers 1
Exercise: Thesis statements in Chicago (CMS) papers 2
quotation The representation of the words someone said or wrote. A quotation can be direct (the exact words) or indirect (a reporting or paraphrase of what was said).
paraphrase A restatement by a writer of a source's words or ideas in the writer's own words.