Deciding Whether to

Quote, Paraphrase, or Summarize

Quote:

Wording that is so memorable or expresses a point so perfectly that you cannot improve or shorten it without weakening the meaning you need.

An author's opinions you wish to emphasize.

Respected authorities whose opinions support your ideas.

Authors whose opinions challenge or vary from others in the field.

Paraphrase:

Passages that you do not wish to quote but whose details you wish to note fully.

Summarize:

Long passages whose main points you wish to record selectively.