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4: How Do I Use Sources?

  • Page ID
    64830
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    A well-placed reference, quotation, or paraphrase from an outside expert can make all the difference when you are making an argument. In fact, many academic writing assignments require you to include these types of supporting arguments to support your case. These supporting arguments can convince your reader that other respected, intelligent individuals share your perspective; it can argue your point with winning style or rhetorical power; and it can prop up your argument where you may need help.

    In this unit, we explore how to leverage the work of others to strengthen your argument, while you ensure that you (and not the individual you reference) take the spotlight. We also address plagiarism and the steps you can take to avoid it.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
      • explain how to appropriately and effectively use outside sources in persuasive writing;
      • practice determining source credibility and describing source relevance;
      • practice incorporating counter-argument and defending a position;
      • demonstrate competence in critical reading and comprehension of source material;
      • practice incorporating rhetorically appropriate quotations, paraphrases, and summaries into academic writing;
      • identify the risks of plagiarism and practice techniques for avoiding it; and
      • practice the basic requirements of MLA, APA, and Chicago styles and formatting.


      4: How Do I Use Sources? is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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