Kathleen S. Ives's Public Library

How do you
decide what information is noteworthy and what is not?

Once I locate information regarding
my essay topic I quickly scan the document to determine if it is relevant to my
topic; I also look at the credential of the author or organization and their
affiliations, I look to see when the information was published and/or updated. I
also look to see if the information obtained from the source cross references
well with others. I want to use information that will offer strong support and
help in persuading the audience that casinos do more harm than good to the
communities in which they reside. Any source in which I can’t locate information
on the author(s), publishing organization, or its affiliates would not be used.
Nor will I use outdated information especially since there is current data
available. I also think that the tone of the source must fit the tone of my
essay so once I scan the document and determine it relevant I will read the
entire document to ensure that it definitely fits.  

How do you
determine whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source?

I will
look at the notes I took based on the assembly of relevant sources and determine
where in the essay the particular source may fit. I think that I will use direct
quotes throughout the paper to supply the audience the words of an expert or
authority on the subject to support my point or refute any opposing claims.
Since only 20% of the paper can be direct quotes, I will paraphrase information
from sources also in an attempt to support my point of view without using my
personal opinion. Any large works from sources that I decide to use in the essay
will be summarized to show how they relate to the subject and as a way to
support key ideas the essay is meant to make.