HS English- How to integrate sources in your own words within a research essay

It is important that you use your own words in dealing with outside sources. Most importantly, students should keep in the forefront of their mind two things: 1. The claim in their thesis (Example: Americans should have the right to bear arms) 2. the reasons in their thesis (Example: self-defense, the 2nd Amendment, and healthy form of recreation).

However, while integrating your sources into your own words, it is your responsibility to introduce the source, relay the information from the source (either in your own words=paraphrase; or in the author's words=direct quote) and analyze the source in your own words, effectively tying the information from the source and applying it to your overall position.

Example: (in the context of a body paragraph that highlights the importance of homeowners/ business owners defending themselves from criminals).

Above is an example of introducing the source (red), relaying the information (blue), and analyzing the source/ tying it into the topic sentence of the paragraph (green).

Hopefully, this information and example will be helpful in showing you how to integrate the sources into your paper using your own words. There is also a helpful youtube video linked here (ignore the citation style mentioned in the video. At Seton, we use Chicago formatting style): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tt5zqkf4HM

This link could also help you build a verbal repertoire in framing ideas and information into your own words:  https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/words-phrases-good-essays/#aId=383f3c00-5866-473a-94af-73ced7a6fa31

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