Quoting & paraphrasing
Quoting
Quoting is the reproduction of a direct extract from the work of another author in your writing. This extract should be placed inside quotation marks - for example:
"This a direct quote from another author's work" (reference)
The way in which the actual reference is laid out will vary from one style to another and is discussed in full in the next section.
Depending on how you are formatting your document, quotations that are longer than around 30 to 40 words should be placed in a new paragraph, start on the next line and be indented. A reference should always be given.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is putting the work of others into your own words to make an argument or point. A reference is also necessary. Paraphrasing a source will allow more of your own thinking to come through. Using too may quotes may conceal your ideas and theories.
Direct quotation is more commonly found in humanities and social science writing and not as much in science and technology disciplines. This is because the words of the author of the source may be of interest and under examination (for example, analysing the work of Shakespeare).
