What to put on a Notecard

Matches the source word for word.

You use the source’s words.

Exact same length as the source, unless you follow the rules for adding or deleting material from a quote.

Matches the source in terms of meaning.

You use your own words.

Approximately the same length, though often shorter than the source.

Sums up the central point of the source.

You use your own words.

Much shorter than the source.

To provide credibility for what you are saying (you support your point by quoting an authority).

To get someone’s exact words (when HOW someone said something is as important as WHAT they said).

To get down the meaning of someone else’s words when:

• Their exact words are not important

• Their exact words are not appropriate (style too dense or too simple for example) or useful (what they emphasize is different from what you want to emphasize).

To show that you have command of the material (you aren't just repeating the original author’s words).

To “shorten” a section from the source that is too long to quote.

To get down the gist of someone else’s work.

To avoid unnecessary details when the main point is all you need.

To show that you understand what the source is saying.

To give your audience a general introduction to the source.

Copy the source’s words exactly.

Cite it using in-text citation "....end of quote" (author).

Make sure the source is included in your Works Cited Page

Carefully read the section of the source you are going to paraphrase. Put it away and write down in your own words what the source is saying. Then go back and check to see if you missed anything.

Cite it using in-text citation paraphrase (author).

Make sure the source is included in your Works Cited Page

Carefully read the section of the source you are going to paraphrase. Put it away and write down the main point(s) of the source. Do not be feel like you have to stick to the source’s organization—you decide what the main points are.

Cite it using in-text citation summary (author).

Make sure the source is included in your Works Cited Page