How do you determine whether to quote paraphrase or summarize a source?
To me, if the author said it well, quote and cite. If the author said it well but you need to put it in the context of your remarks, paraphrase. If you want to put it in your words, summarize.
Consider:
" Damn the torpedeos, full speed ahead" David Farragut, in the battle of Mobile Bay.
Paraphrase example....Farragut in the Battle of Mobile Bay was not concerned with limited visibility in the mined entrance, he wanted to proceed quickly to battle.
Summary example...Farragut in the Battle of Mobile Bay did not hesitate to put his gunships into battle, and often ignored dangers to do so. In the battle of Island number 10, in the Mississippi River, he risked the entire fleet by transversing shallow narrow water within the enemy's cannon range. His orders to his ships were clear: Move quickly to gain position.
When determining whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source, there are a few factors to consider:
1. Importance of the original wording: If the exact words in the source are critical to your point or analysis, quoting is recommended. This is especially true when dealing with direct quotes from influential figures, legal texts, or primary sources.
2. Length of the original text: If the source contains a significant amount of information that you want to include in your work, summarizing is a good choice. Summarizing involves condensing the main ideas of the source into your own words, providing a concise overview.
3. Clarity and readability: If the source's wording is convoluted or difficult to understand, paraphrasing can help simplify the information for your audience. Paraphrasing involves rewording the source's ideas using your own language while retaining the original meaning.
4. Context and relevance: Consider the context and relevance of the source to your work. If the source is foundational to your topic, quoting can provide authority and credibility. If the source is supplementary or provides background information, summarizing or paraphrasing may be more appropriate.
To decide which approach to use, carefully read and understand the source material, identify the specific information you need, consider its significance and readability, and then choose whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize accordingly. Additionally, it is essential to properly cite the source regardless of the method used, ensuring you give credit to the original author.