Answered By: Sarah Purcell
Last Updated: Jun 28, 2023     Views: 413

The Cite Them Right website covers this in the Basics section, and we also like this website (Purdue OWL) which explains in more detail.

  • A direct quote is taken directly from a page of an information source, and put into your writing. It has quotation marks around it.
  • A paraphrase is taken directly from a page of an information source, and you write it into your own words before including it in your writing.
  • A summary provides an overview of an idea, theory or piece of research, in your own words. This idea, theory or research might have been discussed in detail throughout an article, book chapter or other source.

If you would like to know more about how to reference a quote, paraphrase or summary, please contact the Ask a Librarian team.  If you would like further guidance on how to write someone else's ideas in your own words, book an appointment with Centre for Academic English and Skills