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Computer Science @ UTSC

When to Cite Your Sources

Quoting – Using the author's exact words. Use "quotation marks" and always cite it.
Summarizing – Using your own words to shorten the author's words or ideas without altering the meaning or providing interpretation. Basically, presenting the original information in a nutshell. Summaries are shorter than the original. Always cite it.
Paraphrasing – Restating, in your own words, the author's words or ideas without altering the meaning or providing interpretation. Paraphrases are about the same length as the original. Always cite it.
 
When summarizing or paraphrasing, be careful not to copy the original author's style or wording. Summaries or paraphrases should sound like you, using your own vocabulary and style.