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I Need Help Integrating Sources Into My Paper

You will often want to draw on the work of others to support your own ideas. Use clear references and citations to indicate from whom the ideas come.

Avoid inserting source information without adding your own analysis; instead include your own voice and your own analysis and ideas. You will likely want to include sources which are in agreement AND in disagreement with your own views. This way you can recognize and respond to multiple perspectives on the given issue. In doing so, you can make your own argument stronger.

Common ways to present sources:

  • Direct Quote: Someone else's exact words, placed in quotation marks and followed by a parenthetical citation. More about Quoting.
  • Paraphrase: Someone else's ideas explained in your own words, followed by a parenthetical citation. More about Paraphrasing.
  • Summary: Similar to a paraphrase, but used to give an overview of many ideas (explained in your own words), followed by a parenthetical citation.

Components to include when integrating a source:

  • Introductory phrase to the source material: More about Signal Phrases or Introductory Phrases
  • Source material: A direct quote, paraphrase, or summary with proper citation
  • Analysis of source material: After presenting the source material, explain it, analyze it, and relate it to your own ideas. This is crucial, and many people forget to do it!


Contact Lesley University's Center for Academic Acheivement for more in-depth help with integrating sources.


We also recommend this useful video: