Citing Evidence

Why cite evidence? Citing evidence is when you support your thoughts with ideas from the text. Citing evidence is important because it allows you defend your ideas and explain your thinking to others. Citing evidence also lets others know where you read information and learned information.

How do we cite evidence? There are three main ways to cite evidence: Quoting Paraphrasing Summarizing

Paraphrasing Paraphrasing is when you sum up or provide a shortened version of an Author’s ideas. You are not using the EXACT words the author expressed.

Summarizing Summarizing a piece of text or idea is Similar to paraphrasing. When you summarize something, you are Expressing a shortened version of the text (about 3-4 sentences). You want to make sure you include only the important details or ideas in your summary.

Direct Quote When you quote a piece of text, you are expressing the exact words an author used. Quoting an author requires using Quotation marks and referencing the author.

Rules for using QUOTES #1 Always prepare your reader for the quote. A quotation should never suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Example ORIGINAL: The shadow of a cloud moved across the field of grain and she saw the river through the trees. SMOOTHLY INTEGRATED QUOTATION: Hemingway uses the image of a momentary darkness to suggest the woman's growing disillusionment. After her quarrel with the man, "[t]he shadow of a cloud moved across the field of grain . . ." (21).

Rules for using QUOTES #2 Follow up your quotation! Avoid ending a paragraph with a quote– it’s your paper, end with something that YOU have to say. The sentence AFTER a quote should always comment on the significance of the quote itself.

How to use QUOTES #3 Use your own words to introduce a quotation. Usually, you will want to transition by using the author’s name. Read it out loud. If it sounds too sudden and abrupt, you need an effective transition.

Example THIS: Hemingway uses the image of a momentary darkness to suggest the woman's growing disillusionment. After her quarrel with the man, "[t]he shadow of a cloud moved across the field of grain . . ." (21). A similar shadow gradually develops over their relationship.

Non-Example DON’T DO: The image of a momentary darkness suggests the woman's growing disillusionment. “The shadow of a cloud moved across the field of grain . . ." (21). A similar shadow gradually develops over their relationship.

When to cite evidence? Quotes should be used when the author has said something SO remarkable that it simply cannot be altered. When the words the author uses are not as important as the ideas, you should paraphrase.

What to AVOID Avoid OVER quoting. Only quote when absolutely needed. The vast majority of your paper should be YOUR paper, not what someone else has said. Please see me if you think you have been quoting too much.

Check for Understanding? Name one reason to cite evidence Name two rules to citing evidence Name the three ways to cite evidence