In-text Citation — Direct Quotations and Paraphrasing
Once you have compiled all of your quotations, you'll need to integrate them into your research paper. As a rule, you'll want to use 1 to 2 quotes or paraphrases per paragraph. Anymore than that, and the words and ideas of your sources may drown out your own.
The Purdue OWL on quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
1. Direct Quotations
b) One study demonstrates that "words words words" (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
c) The following quote explains one way that polar bears hunt during the winter: "words words words" (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
d) Kennedy (2011) tells us that "words words words" (p. 150).
In his recent study, Kennedy (2011) explains that "words words words words" (p. 150).
*Notice how if you mention the author before the date, you have to include the date as well, and because you've already cited the author and the date, you only include the page number in your in-text parenthetical reference.
2. Paraphrasing and Summarizing
The Purdue OWL on quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
1. Direct Quotations
- You must introduce each quote, and you can do so any number of ways. Here are some examples:
b) One study demonstrates that "words words words" (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
c) The following quote explains one way that polar bears hunt during the winter: "words words words" (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
d) Kennedy (2011) tells us that "words words words" (p. 150).
- For each direct quote, you need to cite the author, year, and page number for you source, like so: (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
- Place the quoted material between double quotation marks and place the in-text citation after the quote, like so: "Words words words words" (Kennedy, 2011, p. 150).
- If you mention the author's name before you introduce the quote, introduce and cite your quote like this:
In his recent study, Kennedy (2011) explains that "words words words words" (p. 150).
*Notice how if you mention the author before the date, you have to include the date as well, and because you've already cited the author and the date, you only include the page number in your in-text parenthetical reference.
- I strongly recommend that you keep your quotes short. If, however, you choose to include a quote that runs longer than 40 words, you need to complete a block quote. Click here to see additional information on formatting for a block quote, as well as examples.
- If your source was written by two authors, your in-text citation should read as follows: (Kennedy and Kaley, 2011, p. 150). Note: If you mention the authors' names before the quote, do as you would for a single author, only include both names: Kennedy and Kaley (2011) argue that "words words words" (p. 150).
- If your source was written by more than two authors, or you don't know the author or page number, visit the Purdue OWL here.
2. Paraphrasing and Summarizing
- You shouldn't always use direct quotes. Sometimes, it is better to re-articulate a quotation in your own words; this is called paraphrasing (for your paper, try to strike a balance between the number of paraphrases and direct quotes).
- When paraphrasing, follow the formatting I've outlined above, only don't include the page number in your in-text citations. Here is a useful resource with examples of paraphrasing. And here is a detailed explanation of how to paraphrase.
- Sometimes, you'll summarize a source's entire argument or main idea in your own words. This is called summarizing. Summarizing is much like paraphrasing, only you provide an overview of an idea (this idea may consist of a paragraph, chapter, or even an entire book—which is why you don't include the page number when summarizing), instead of simply rewording a quote or passage.
- Additional resource: Paraphrase Exercise and Answer Key