How to use a Signal Phrase!!! …..because everyone deserves credit for their stuff!!

To correctly compose a properly formatted signal phrase Objective To correctly compose a properly formatted signal phrase

What is a Signal Phrase As the name states, it is a “phrase” that “signals” the reader as to who came up with the idea first. This writing is for proper documentation. It is to make sure there is no question of plagiarism. EVERY quote notecard and EVERY paraphrase notecard needs a signal phrase!!! If you don’t have a signal phrase, the idea came completely out of your head…. EX: Andrew Baker, author of the web article, “Celebrity Drawbacks,” published by ESPN on February 1, 2012, argues,

Refer to your Hacker Guide from pp. 121-128. For more information… Refer to your Hacker Guide from pp. 121-128.

Step 1: Pick a Source We are going to create a signal phrase together on your notecard… Pick the source you took the MOST notes from.

First Signal Phrase (Pt. 1) Be sure to introduce the first and last name of the author (with a comma after)… Andrew Baker, Do it!

First Signal Phrase (Pt. 2) Then state what article they authored (and if it is a web article, say that). Make sure to note the commas and put the title in quotation marks for an article (italics for a book). Andrew Baker, author of the web article, “Celebrity Drawbacks,” Do it!

First Signal Phrase (Pt. 3) Add another comma; and state where the article is published. Don’t forget to italicize the title of the publication/website the document came from. Andrew Baker, author of the web article, “Celebrity Drawbacks,” published by ESPN Do it!

First Signal Phrase (Pt. 4) Use a preposition (on – full date; in – if you only have the month or year), and then state the date; then add a comma. Andrew Baker, author of the web article, “Celebrity Drawbacks,” published by ESPN on February 1, 2012, Do it!

First Signal Phrase (Pt. 5) Finally, add a verb! Then add a comma. Andrew Baker, author of the web article, “Celebrity Drawbacks,” published by ESPN on February 1, 2012, argues, Do it!

Second Signal Phrase Once a source has been introduced, it is not necessary to use the author’s full name, article title, where it was published, or the date; simply use the author’s last name, a great verb, and a comma! Ex: “Baker explains,”

Remember to use a perfect verb! An article can not “tell” or “say” Instead an article: Informs Clarifies Describes Outlines (See page 113 of Hacker guide) (I will also post a full list online)

Let’s practice… Share your first signal phrase on your notecard with a neighbor. Go! Now, let’s examine some peer’s work.

Now… For your “ticket out the door,” please submit a second signal phrase. For Homework, have 5 complete signal phrases you anticipate to use in your sentence outlines. Due dates: March 31 (A) & April 1 (B) Objective: To correctly compose a properly formatted signal phrase Did I do this?