Effective Citation
Citation is one of the most fundamental techniques used when writing essays. As a way of integrating sources, it is crucial for providing solid evidence for a specific argument or merely introducing a particular topic. However, citation is a double-edged sword, and improper usage of citation would undermine the overall quality and elegance of an essay. This raises a question: How to beautify internal citation?
A Common Issue
Many students put sentence structures in their essays like “As someone says, ‘… ‘(original texts from the source)”. Such sentences tend to make an essay feel dull. They can bring the readers—who may have been immersed in your essay—back to reality. Therefore, those rough internal citations deserve better modification. But how to elevate this style?
Three Main Types of Internal Citation
In fact, there are three main types of internal citation, each serving a different purpose:
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Quotation
As the most widely used form, direct quotations can be used when the exact wording is important, impactful, or authoritative. For example, quotations are suitable for the following situations:
- Certain phrases or statements are memorable
- Definitions or technical terms that require precision
- Expert opinions or significant insights
However, please be aware that permission to use does not mean you can abuse it!
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Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing refers to rephrasing someone else’s ideas, arguments, or findings in your own words while retaining the original meaning. You might want to paraphrase when you:
- Simplify complex information
- Seamlessly integrate information into your own essay
- Demonstrate self understanding of the source material
Paraphrasing is highly recommended, and lots of practice is necessary to truly master it.
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Summarizing
The skill of summary that you have previously learned in ENGL1000J courses is also applicable for internal citation. It is useful when you want to condense a large piece of information into a brief overview. In this way, you can:
- Highlight main ideas or themes of the chosen sources
- Provide context without delving into extensive details
- Offer background information relevant to your argument
Choosing the Right Method
Now that you’ve learned internal citations are more than just direct quotations, why not try the other two ways? Always bear in mind that citation serves your essay. The type of internal citation you choose depends on the purpose you want to achieve in your writing. Hopefully, this issue of internal citation will no longer be a “can of worms” for you!