Chapter 15 | Using Sources Effectively

In Chapter 15, Using Sources Effectively, Bedford reviews all the ways sources can aid your argument as well as the proper ways to do so.  Some examples are using a reputable source to echo your own point and then you can sort of “ride the coat tails” of the source's credentials.  This is referred to as aligning your augment with an authority.  You can also use the technique of utilizing quotes to help make your augment clear and focused, or give it evidence.  Charts and graphs are often a great way to utilize a source and visually support your point.  Paraphrase and summaries are also useful to support your thesis, but remember to always cite appropriately.  A summary is a brief concise statement, shorter than the text, while a paraphrase is often equally as long as the test, simply put into your own words.  Various quotes such as brief partials quote can be used for key phrases while longer quote, extended quote, require indentation.  Overall, integrating sources effectively into your paper is a crucial part of providing appropriate evidence to convince your reader of your intended point.  For me, I look forward to incorporating all types of quotes, from the emotional to the scientific.  I would love to incorporate the use of a graph or chart into my paper, but I have yet to find or think of an appropriate one.