2.2.2 Incorporating sources

The common techniques for incorporating sources into your work are direct quotations, paraphrasing and summarising.

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  • A direct quotation uses the exact words as the original text.

    Direct quotations should be used sparingly and comprise no more than 10% of the word count (as a general guide, though less is better).

    Direct quotes are used:

    • to discuss the actual language used;
    • to discuss the author’s position or theory and the wording is significant;
    • if paraphrasing will lose the essence of the author’s ideas;
    • to appeal to the authority of an author.

  • Paraphrasing is rewriting of the original text into your own words. Paraphrasing shows understanding of the original text and allows sources to be included into one’s work without interrupting the flow of writing, which occurs when using too many direct quotations.

    Therefore, paraphrasing is the preferred method of including sources.

    Paraphrasing should generally be the same length and have the same level of detail as the original text, and should not alter the source author’s message.

  • Summarising is condensing a lot of text, for example, an entire article or chapter of a book, in your own words. It should contain the author’s main ideas and is typically used to provide background or context before discussing specific points.

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