Syllabus, ENG 102
Guidelines

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You may use a source by quoting, paraphrasing or summarizing the information. Here are some guidelines about using sources.

Guidelines for using Quotations

1. Set off quotations with quotation marks.
2. Do not use quotations in more than a third of your paper.
3. Use quotations to support what you have to say, not to present your thesis and main points.
4. Quote accurately.
5. Select quotations from authorities in your subject.
6. Select quotations that fit your meaning.
7. Keep long quotations to a minimum.
8. Work quotations smoothly into your writing.
9. Document your source. Write down all documentation information so that you can document your source when you use it in your writing.

Guidelines for using paraphrases

1. Say what the source says and no more.
2. Reproduce the source's order or ideas and emphasis.
3. Use your own words and phrasing to restate the message.
4. Read over your sentences to make sure that they make sense and don't distort the source's meaning.
5. Expect your material to be as long as, and possibly longer than, the original.
6. Avoid plagiarism.
7. Write down all documentation information so that you can document your source when you use it in your writing.

Guidelines for using summaries

1. Identify the main points
2. Condense the main points without losing the essence of the material.
3. Use your own words to condense the message.
4. Keep your summary short.
5. Avoid plagiarism.
6. Write down all documentation information so that you can document your source when you use it in your writing.

Motivations for using a quote:

1. conciseness-- Paraphrasing would use too many words, making your sentence seem long and awkward.
2. accuracy-- Paraphrasing could distort the author's intended meaning. Note: It is also not very effective to try to paraphrase statistics!
3. memorable language--Paraphrasing would lessen the impact because the original words are so vivid and powerful.
4. authority-- Paraphrasing would diminish the impact and credibility you wish to establish by the use of a direct quote from someone in a position of authority on your topic.
5. surprising information--Paraphrasing would cause the reader to question the validity of your statement because the information is so shocking or surprising.

Remember the documentation needs to be in MLA format. If you are not sure how to use MLA format, check the MLA page.

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