How We Cite - UNC Writing Center

Summary

This video explains how to incorporate sources into writing, covering four key methods: quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and generalizing. It emphasizes the importance of using accurate citations to avoid plagiarism. Quoting involves using the exact words from a source, while paraphrasing requires expressing the same ideas in your own words. Summarizing condenses the main points, and generalizing refers to describing shared conclusions across multiple sources. The video also highlights the importance of proper citation formatting based on academic style guides, urging students to consult manuals or ask instructors if unsure about citation methods.

Takeaways

• 📝 There are four main ways to incorporate a source into your writing: quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and generalizing.
• 📌 Quoting involves using the exact words from a source, placing them in quotation marks, and including a citation.
• ✍️ Paraphrasing requires conveying the author's ideas in your own words while ensuring accuracy and including a full citation.
• 💡 To paraphrase correctly, first understand the author's message, set the source aside, and then explain it in your own words.
• ⚠️ Simply changing or rearranging a few words from the author is considered plagiarism and is not acceptable.
• 🔑 Summarizing means explaining the main point of a single work, essentially putting information into a concise form, with proper citation.
• 🌐 Generalizing involves describing conclusions reached by multiple authors and citing representative publications appropriately.
• 📚 Always include full citations for any sources you use, whether quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, or generalizing.
• 🎨 Different academic disciplines have different citation styles, which vary in author name format, titles, and publication details.
• ✔️ Pay attention to details like capitalization and italics, and consult a style manual or reliable online resource for correct formatting.
• ❓ If unsure which citation style to use, ask your instructor for guidance.

Q & A

What are the four main ways to incorporate a source into writing?

The four main ways are quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and generalizing.

How should you use a direct quote from a source?

Present the exact words of the source, place them inside quotation marks, and include a proper citation.

What is the first step in effectively paraphrasing a source?

Understand what the author is saying, then set the source aside before writing your own explanation.

Why is it incorrect to just change or rearrange a few words from a source?

Because doing so constitutes plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's ideas without proper attribution.

How is summarizing different from paraphrasing?

Summarizing focuses on explaining the main point of a single work in a concise way, whereas paraphrasing restates the full idea in your own words.

What does generalizing a source involve?

Generalizing involves describing a shared conclusion reached by several authors and citing a representative sample of their publications.

Why is including citations important when using sources?

Citations give credit to the original author, help avoid plagiarism, and allow readers to locate the source for further study.

How do citation styles differ across academic disciplines?

They vary in how they present authors' names, article titles, publication details, and formatting rules such as capitalization and italics.

What should you do if you are unsure which citation style to use?

You should ask your instructor or consult a style manual or reliable online resource.

What is a good method to ensure paraphrasing is accurate?

Jot down your explanation in your own words as if explaining it to someone else, then check it against the original source for accuracy.

What is the main risk of not properly citing sources?

The main risk is committing plagiarism, which can have serious academic and ethical consequences.

Why do small formatting details in citations, like capitalization and italics, matter?

Because accurate formatting ensures clarity, maintains professional standards, and aligns with academic style requirements.