Do not alter the author's language when you quote; this breaks the trust between you and the reader.
Read MoreDon’t assume that your reader has read the text you’re summarizing.
Read MoreThe best way to convey an author’s ideas is not necessarily the order in which the author talked about them.
Read MoreHighlight the ideas you plan to respond to. Tell the reader only the things they need to understand your argument.
Read MoreChoose memorable quotes that capture the author’s unique viewpoint or way of saying things.
Read MoreTell the reader whose words they’re about to hear, and what you understand those words to mean.
Read MoreImagine your reader and think about what they would be interested in hearing—and what they would find boring and irrelevant.
Read MoreWrite short paragraphs, and state the main point in the first sentence or two.
Read MoreBegin your paragraphs with sentences that convey actual information.
Read MoreShow the reader why you know something is true by giving evidence.
Read MoreDon’t begin your essays with pretentious-sounding statements of universal truths.
Read MoreSay one thing well rather than many things superficially.
Read MoreAs a rule of thumb, these three things always need citations in academic writing.
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