How do you determine weather to quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "determine whether to quote paraphrase or summarize a source" to get this:
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=determine+whether+to+quote+paraphrase+or+summarize+a+source&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
Deciding whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source depends on several factors. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice:
1. Understand the purpose of your writing: The type of writing you are working on will influence your decision. If you are writing an academic paper, it is generally expected that you will paraphrase or summarize the source material to demonstrate your understanding. Quoting may be used sparingly to support a specific point or highlight an important passage.
2. Consider the significance of the information: If the source contains a particularly impactful or powerful statement, it may be best to quote it directly to maintain its originality and impact. However, avoid excessive use of quotes, as it can make your writing seem overly reliant on others' ideas.
3. Evaluate the clarity and precision of the original source: Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the original source material in your own words while maintaining the same meaning. This approach is useful when you need to explain complex ideas in a more accessible manner or when the wording of the original source is convoluted or unclear.
4. Determine the length of the passage: If the passage you want to include is short, quoting might be the most effective option. However, if the passage is longer and you want to condense the information, summarizing would be appropriate. Summaries capture the main ideas of the source in a concise manner, providing an overview of the content without getting into too much detail.
5. Assess the relevance to your argument or topic: Ask yourself whether the source material directly supports your argument or provides useful context. If the information is essential to your point, quoting or paraphrasing could be suitable. However, if the information is less central to your thesis, summarizing may be more appropriate.
Remember, quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing should always be accompanied by proper citation to give credit to the original author. The choice among these techniques ultimately depends on the specific context and purpose of your writing.