Using Signal Phrases in Research-based Writing (MLA)

Objectives To understand the differences between paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting. To learn how to use signal phrases for paraphrased, summarized, and quoted material according to MLA guidelines. To understand differences between integrating long and short quotations into a report.

What is a paraphrase? A paraphrase restates the meaning of a text in about the same number of words as the original. Paraphrasing is appropriate when the explanation of the details of an original text is important for readers.

What is a summary? A summary restates the meaning of a text in fewer words than the original text. Summarizing is appropriate when explaining the main ideas of the original text to the reader is important.

What is a quotation? A quotation uses the original text verbatim or word for word. Quoted text should always be enclosed in quotation marks. Quoting is appropriate when the exact wording of the original text is important.

What is a signal phrase? A signal phrase lets the reader know when a writer is going to use a paraphrase, a summary, or a quotation. Signal phrases contain the author’s name or reference to research and a signal phrase verb.

Examples of Signals Example 1 (author’s name and active verb): Science writer Fred Pearce shows that global warming and hurricane intensity are related (46). Example 2 (reference to research and active verb): Research in the online magazine New Scientist shows that global warming and hurricane intensity are related (Pearce 46).

When should writers use signal phrases? With few exceptions, paraphrased, summarized, and quoted text should be introduced with signal phrases. Without signal phrases readers will have difficulty knowing what is original and what is research-based.

What are the components of a summary introduced by a signal phrase? Begin with the author’s full name or reference to research. Use a signal phrase verb that clearly indicates how the author has conveyed the summarized information (i.e., argues, claims, suggests). After the author’s full name has been used once, use only the author’s last name. If available, include the page number of the original text in parentheses at the end of the summary.

Science writer Fred Pearce shows that global warming and hurricane intensity are related. His article reports that researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology studied past hurricane and climate statistics and determined that warmer ocean temperatures in recent years have caused an increase in the intensity of hurricanes. This research claims that the incidence of Category 4 or 5 hurricanes has increased from 20 percent during the 1970s to 35 percent during the past ten years (46). A Summary with Signal Phrases and Page Number

What are the components of a quotation introduced by a signal phrase? Begin with the author’s full name. Use a signal phrase verb that clearly indicates how the author has conveyed the quoted information. Use an ellipsis mark... to indicate omitted words and brackets [ ] to indicate inserted words. If available, include the page number of the quoted text in parentheses at the end of the quotation inside of end punctuation.

A Quotation with Signal Phrase and Page Number Reporter Freddy Cuevas notes that “... [barometric] pressure readings [for Hurricane Wilma] early Wednesday [October 19, 2005] dropped to 882 millibars, the lowest minimum pressure ever measured in a hurricane in the Americas.” [online source- no pg. #]

How does a long quotation differ from a short quotation in research-based writing? Indent more than four lines of quoted text one inch or ten spaces. Do not use quotation marks for indented quotations. Include the page number (if one is available) after the indented quotation outside of end punctuation. Remember to introduce indented quotations with a signal phrase.

An Indented Quotation with Signal Phrase and Page Number Science writer Fred Pearce explains the pattern of recent hurricane activity:... the trend is global, has lasted over several decades and is connected to a steady worldwide increase in tropical sea temperatures. Because of all these factors, it is unlikely to be due to any known natural fluctuations in climate such as El Niño, the North Atlantic Oscillation or the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. ( 47 )

Important Points to Remember Use signal phrases throughout your research-based writing. Pay close attention to the guidelines for using signal phrases with paraphrased, summarized, and quoted information. Throughout the process of doing research- based writing, always keep a reference manual close at hand.

Works Cited Cuevas, Freddy. “Wilma sets record for Atlantic storm.” Startribune.com 20 Oct Oct Pearce, Fred. “Warming world blamed for more strong hurricanes.” NewScientist.com 15 Sept. 2005:47. 9 Oct