Using sources
You’ve done the research, but how do you integrate it seamlessly into your academic writing?
As an academic writer you are expected to incorporate others’ ideas into your work, often through paraphrasing, summarising and direct quotation.
- Paraphrasing means that you re-write someone else's idea in your own words.
- Summarising means that you use your own words to indicate only the main idea of a text.
- Quoting means copying the exact words that the author used and adding quotation marks.
The strength and validity of your writing are affected by how well you integrate these sources. If they are well integrated, the reader trusts that you understand the research that has been done, because you are able to contextualise and explain it. A common mistake in using sources is to simply ‘drop’ paraphrases, summaries and quotes into the text without integrating them into the discussion. When using source materials, you should aim to integrate them into your own argument, making it clear to your reader how they add to your discussion.
What will I learn?
This module will help you:
- Be aware of different methods of using the voice of others in your own writing.
- Identify the main idea of a text.
- Observe differences in paraphrasing, summarising and quoting.
- Recognise a good, bad and acceptable paraphrase.
- Identify different voices within a paragraph.
- Recognise reporting verbs and their use.
- Understand how to combine sources effectively.
How long will it take?
This module should take approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Begin the module
To fully engage with this module (for example, completing practice quizzes or posting in forums), you’ll need to enrol in the Academic Skills Hub.
Related resources
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- Online learning module
Academic style
Academic English is a distinct language, and one you’re expected to write in at university. Understand how to identify, create and improve your academic style.
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Using sources in assessments: voice in academic writing
Effectively combine your ideas with those of other writers.
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Developing clarity and focus in academic writing
Academic writing aims to be clear and precise, with a direct style that moves logically from one idea to the next. This page describes how you can structure sentences and paragraphs to achieve clarity and ‘flow’ in your writing.
Looking for one-on-one advice?
Get tailored advice from an Academic Skills adviser by booking an individual appointment, or get quick advice from one of our Academic Writing Tutors in our online drop-in sessions.