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8. Summarizing Sources
Summarizing sources accurately gives you the opportunity to keep your readers’ attention focused where you want it.
Video
When and why to write summaries
Learn when using a summary is a good method of incorporating source material into your paper.
Example
Know when and how to summarize
Summarize a source when you need to present the main point in a work or a passage, but the exact wording and details are not important.
Quizzes
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1.
Understanding when to summarize
Understand how the use of a summary of a source works in your research paper.
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2.
Using a summary in your paper
Learn when and why it is best to use a summary in your research paper.
Video
Reading and writing to create a summary
Writing a good summary begins with careful reading of a source, and it often takes two or more readings to fully comprehend the ideas and details.
Example
Use signal phrases to introduce summaries
Different disciplines have varying guidelines, but you should always alert readers to the source of a summary and use introductory words that provide context.
Quizzes
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1.
Reading to create a summary
Develop methods of summarizing that help organize research and understand sources.
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2.
Writing to create a summary
Apply strategies that will enable you to summarize sources successfully.
Video
Avoiding interpretation
When you write a summary, your role is to accurately represent the author’s ideas, not your own. Learn to avoid accidental interpretation or analysis when summarizing.
Example
Summarize carefully to avoid plagiarism
While you summarize a passage or long work, avoid looking at the original and draft a summary that is entirely in your own words.
Quizzes
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1.
Avoiding interpretation
Recognize how to keep analysis and opinion out of summaries.
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2.
Including your opinion
Become aware of why it is imperative to remain objective when drafting and using a summary.
Video
Using summaries in an annotated bibliography
Including a brief summary of a source and how you might use it to craft your paper in your annotated bibliography is a great tool to incorporate your research into your paper.
Example
Summarize the contents of a source for an annotated bibliography
To summarize a source usefully for an annotated bibliography, you will need to carefully describe and show that you understand it, without adding commentary or evaluation.
Quizzes
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1.
Preparing an annotated bibliography
Prepare an annotated biography using summaries.
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2.
Using an annotated bibliography
Discover the usefulness of using a summary in your annotated bibliography.
Video
Citing your source
Since summarizing ideas from your source does not make them your own, it’s always important to fully cite and credit your original source.
Example
Summary requires citation
Include the source of any material in your research project that you summarize.
Quizzes
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1.
Learning how to cite your summary
Cite the source of your summary properly and master the rules regarding summary citation.
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2.
Using signal phrases and citation building tools
Put the finishing touch on a summary by using a signal phrase and citation-building software.