The Bedford Researcher: Chapter Fifteen

Using sources effectively was the topic of chapter 16. How can you use sources to accomplish your purposes as a writer? Well, by quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, you can introduce an idea or argument, contrast them, and provide evidence for. Use voices of authority as well because it adds credibility to your writing. You can also use sources to define a concept, illustrate a process, or clarify a statement when the source says it better than you could say it.Or to set a mood, provide an example, or amplify or qualify a point.
   How can you integrate sources into your draft? Provide context for whatever part of the source you are using whether its a summary or illustration. Make you state how it relates to the main idea and what point you're trying to make in the paragraph.. and never forget to identify and give credit to the source! When quoting, do it strategically. They have a powerful impact. You can use partial, complete, or block quotations.  Include paraphrases, summaries, numerical information, and illustrations.
   How should you document your sources? Choose a documentation system (MLA, APA, Chicago, CSE), provide in-text references and publication information, check for unattributed sources, distinguish between your ideas and ideas from sources (important!).