Quoting (using the exact words)
What punctuation marks must you place around the author's exact words when you include them in your writing?
Quotation marks — for example, " "
True or False: A paraphrase should be the same length as the original sentence.
False. A paraphrase is usually similar in length but written in your own words and may be shorter or about the same length.
What is the main purpose of a summary?
To briefly state the main ideas or central points of a text in a much shorter form.
After you include a quote in your paragraph, what short sentence type should follow to help the reader understand its meaning (two-word answer)?
Explanation sentence (or "analysis sentence").
What is a signal phrase? Give a one‑sentence definition.
A signal phrase is a short clause that introduces a source or speaker before a quotation, often naming the author or person/character and providing context for the quote.
When quoting, what must you always provide so readers can find the original text (two-word answer)?
Page number (pg. 3)
Paragraph Number (par. 5)
or
Parenthetical Citation (Authors last name and Page Number (Korman 28)
Name two key steps you should follow when creating a paraphrase.
(a) Read and fully understand the original text;
(b) Write the idea in your own words without looking at the original, then compare to ensure you haven't used the same phrasing or structure and cite the source.
How many details should a good summary include?
A. only the main ideas
B. main ideas plus minor details
C. every example
A. Only the main ideas.
What is the difference between explaining a quotation and repeating it?
Explaining a quotation interprets its meaning, connects it to your point, and analyzes its significance; repeating simply restates the quote without adding interpretation or connection.
Provide three different example signal phrases you could use before a quotation from an article.
"According to Smith,";
"As Johnson explains,";
"In the article's words,"
Identify the error:
A student writes: The author says climate change is “an immediate threat to our coastlines” (p. 42).
Then the student changes “coastlines” to “beaches” without indicating the change. What is wrong here?
The student altered the quoted text without marking the change. You must not change quoted words unless you indicate modifications (with brackets: "coastlines [beaches]" if needed) to preserve the original wording
Paraphrase this sentence in one sentence:
"The novel's protagonist learns that small acts of kindness can change a community's mood over time."
Model answer or Small Group:
Example Answer: The main character discovers that consistent tiny acts of kindness can gradually improve how the whole community feels.
Small Group Time
Read this short passage and write a two-sentence summary:
During the drought, farmers switched to drought-resistant crops, reduced water use for lawns, and installed drip irrigation systems to conserve water.
Farmers responded to the drought by changing to drought-resistant crops and reducing nonessential water use. They also installed drip irrigation to use water more efficiently.
Given the quote:
"The city hummed like a living organism," explain what the author means in one or two sentences and connect it to the idea of urban energy.
The author compares the city's constant activity to the steady functions of a living body, suggesting movement, noise, and interdependent systems. This highlights the city's energy and how many parts work together to keep it alive.
Rewrite this weak introduction into a strong signal phrase that shows the author's authority: "The article states, 'Climate change affects agriculture.'"
As environmental scientist Dr. Rivera explains, "Climate change affects agriculture."
Provide a short example (one or two sentences) of a properly integrated short quotation (under 40 words) about perseverance, using a signal phrase and page number.
Free Points/Stop and Discuss Whole Class
As the author observes, "Perseverance turns small attempts into lasting success" (p. 12).
Explain the difference between paraphrasing and summarizing in one clear sentence.
Paraphrasing restates a specific idea or passage in your own words while keeping the original level of detail.
Summarizing condenses the main points of a larger section into a much shorter overview.
When summarizing a long article, what two elements should you always identify before writing the summary?
The central/main claim or thesis and the key supporting reasons or main points.
Write a two-sentence explanation that links this quote to the author’s argument:
"Access to libraries equalizes opportunities for lifelong learning."
The quote claims that libraries provide resources that make learning available to everyone, regardless of background. This supports the author's argument that public libraries reduce educational inequality by offering free access to information and programs.
Why is it important to introduce a quote with context? Give two reasons.
(1) It establishes the credibility or relevance of the source for the reader;
(2) it helps the quote flow smoothly into your argument and clarifies how the quotation supports your point.
When a quotation contains an error in the original text, what notation do you use to show you did not introduce the error? Give the exact symbol(s).
[sic]
"[Sic]" is a Latin term meaning "thus" or "so," used in writing to indicate that a direct quotation containing a spelling, grammatical, or factual error is reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original source. It shows the error belongs to the original author, not the person quoting.
A student paraphrases a paragraph but keeps the same sentence structure and only substitutes a few synonyms. Is this acceptable? Explain why or why not and what to do instead.
No. That is too close to the original and may be considered plagiarism because the structure and phrasing are still the author's. Instead, rewrite the idea using a new sentence structure and vocabulary, check that wording is different, and cite the source.
Small Group Time - Give students article
Provide a concise summary (no more than five sentences) of a 1,200-word article that argues school start times should be later. State the central claim and two supporting reasons.
The article argues that schools should start later to support teen health and learning. It cites research showing improved sleep and better academic performance with later start times, and it notes reduced tardiness and improved mood among students. The author concludes that shifting schedules benefits both learning and well-being.
For this quoted claim from an article—
"Teen voting rates surged after the civic education program"
—write a short explanation that
(a) interprets the quote,
(b) identifies a possible implication, and
(c) suggests one question a reader should ask about the evidence
Model answer:
(a) The quote means that more teens voted after participating in the program.
(b) An implication is that civic education may increase youth political participation and strengthen democratic engagement.
(c) A reader should ask whether the increase was directly caused by the program or if other factors (like local campaigns or registration drives) contributed to and influenced turnout.
Combine an introductory signal phrase, a quotation (short, under 30 words), and a one-sentence explanation into a coherent mini-paragraph (3–4 sentences) about teamwork. (Be sure the quote is clearly integrated and explained.)
Teamwork builds stronger results when members rely on each other's strengths. As coach Lee notes, "A group that trusts one another performs better under pressure" (p. 8). This quote shows that trust is a key component of effective teamwork because it allows members to depend on each other and respond calmly during stressful situations.