Quoting and Sources

1. Introduction: Citing sources in a paper is a very important thing to do. It acknowledges previous reporters, it proves creditability, and shows trustworthiness. It allows the reader to go out and find it for themselves; it provides evidence. It is an obligation to every writer to sight sources out of fairness and generosity. There are two types of sources, primary and secondary. A primary source is one that doesn’t discuss or analyze the subject. The writer needs to interpret and demonstrate its significance themselves. A secondary source is one that does discuss the subject, and has prior assumptions and claims. A secondary source can be accepted or challenged.

2. 1.1: There are three basic principles of integrating sources into a paper. The first principle explains that sources should not be overly used in a paper. The voice of the writer is more important than the voices of the sources, and sometimes a paper can get crowded when overused. A writer should summarize the information and convey it in his or her own words. Paraphrasing is also important. The second principle is always making sure the reader is aware when the writer is speaking or when the writer is drawing from a source. The third principle is always making it clear to the readers how each source relates to the writers argument.

3. 1.2: There are general principles for quoting material as well. The writer should only directly quote a source if it is extremely vivid or striking. Quotes should be inserted strategically, smoothly, and thoughtfully into a paper. The reader should be casually led into a quote; the announcing word is the most important. Quotes should be kept short, but it is important for the writer to not be lazy when quoting.

4. 1.3: If a quote is longer than 5 lines, it should be indented as a block. Quotation blocks do not need to be in quotations, it is already suggested by the indentation that it is a quote. When using quotation blocks, the reader should be aware who and why the person is speaking and being quoted. Like any quotation, the sentences and words leading up to it are very important. After the block quotation it is important to reflect and remind the readers why it was chosen.

5. 1.4: Footnotes or endnotes are a good tool to use when the writer wants to tell the reader additional information. Footnotes or endnotes can be used to, direct the reader to other sources, and explain more the meaning of or reason for choosing words or phrases.

6. 2.1: A writer should cite a source when using factual information, when quoting a source precisely, and when paraphrasing or summarizing other peoples words, ideas, opinions, or conclusions.

7. 2.2: A writer should not cite a source if it has already been cited earlier in the paragraph, when writing about “common knowledge”, every day speech, or information that has risen out of conversation with a friend or classmate.

8. 2.3: Sequential notes are one method used to cite sources. A number is inserted into a sentence wherever a source is being cited; this directs the reader to the footnotes and keeps them in number order. In-text citing is when a writer includes the author and page number of the cited material directly in the paper. Coding is the last method used to cite sources, and is when the writer uses symbols or markers to identify each source.

9. 2.4: If the writer drew any beneficial influence form a source not listed in the references, it should still be acknowledged. These sources are typically less formal, and can be acknowledged in a footnote or endnote of acknowledgement. An example is a conversation with a friend or family member.

10. 3.1: Plagiarism is when a writer uses another sources words and concepts and neglects to recognize that source. Plagiarism is untruthful, unfair, and ungenerous. It is stealing someone else’s work, and then lying about it. It is frowned upon, but it happens all the time.

11. 3.2: Misinterpreting evidence is another way of misusing sources. Time constraints are the main reasons why people fabricate evidence so it fits their interpretation. Improper collaboration is when two or more students submit identical work because of an assignment where they were allowed to work together. Overlapping submission is when a student submits an assignment to one class, then uses it again for another class.

12. 3.3: Online sources can be potentially risky. There is so much information out there, that it is so easy to just copy and paste information. It is important for the writer to pay attention to, analyze, and take good notes from each online document carefully. Untrustworthy material should not be used ever. If there is even a doubt that it is unreliable, the writer should not use it.
13. 3.4: The consequences for academic dishonesty are strict, brutal, and permanent.

14. 3.5: There are many ways to avoid high risk situations. Procrastination is definitely something a writer should avoid. Secondary sources should rarely be used, and advice from a professor should always be used. The writer should distinguish his or her words from the outside sources used. Actively taking notes is the best way to record reactions, hunches, and questions. It is important for a writer to write at a level he or she is comfortable with, trying to sound more sophisticated can sometimes ruin a paper. Borrowing of any kind without citing is extremely frowned upon.

15. 4.1: When citing an artwork or illustration it is important to include the artist, title, and date. If a source has two authors, the writer must use all the authors’ names each time the source is cited.

16. 4.2: Endnotes or references should be listed on separate pages. An entire footnote should fit all on one page. All lists should be titled.