Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Understand how to paraphrase effectively. paper or polishing a university essay, understanding how to find and use credible academic sources is essential. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to confidently navigate the world of academic research and referencing.
- Identify what makes a source credible
- Demonstrate how to locate appropriate academic sources
- Use referencing correctly
- Be confident in differentiating between quoting, summarising, and paraphrasing.
Please read through the following sections:
- What Makes a Source Credible?
- Getting Started: Why Evaluate Sources?
- Challenges with Online Sources
- Quoting, Summarising, and Paraphrasing
- References
- Test yourself!
What Makes a Source Credible?
- Not all sources are created equal. Credible sources are typically written by experts, backed by evidence, and published by reputable organizations or academic publishers. Learn to evaluate sources by asking:
- Who is the author?
- Is it peer-reviewed?
- Is the information current and relevant?
- How to Find Reliable Academic Sources
Knowing where to look is just as important as knowing what to look for. University libraries, online academic databases (like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or PubMed), and institutional repositories are great starting points. Understanding search strategies will help you find high-quality materials efficiently. - Referencing: Getting It Right
Referencing isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about showing academic integrity and giving credit to others’ ideas. Whether you’re using APA, MLA, or Harvard style, consistency and accuracy are key. Learn the rules of your required citation style and apply them carefully throughout your work. - Quoting, Summarising, and Paraphrasing: Know the Difference
Quoting involves copying a passage word for word with quotation marks. Summarising means giving a brief overview of a larger text. Paraphrasing is rewording someone else’s idea in your own words. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing when to use which is essential for strong academic writing. - How to Paraphrase Effectively
Effective paraphrasing means more than just changing a few words—it’s about truly understanding the original idea and expressing it in your own voice. Practice by reading a passage, setting it aside, and then writing the idea in your own words. Always follow up with proper citation.
By mastering these skills, you’ll not only improve your academic writing but also build confidence in your ability to research and engage critically with scholarly material.