Question

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

Answer 1

To me, if the author said it well, quote and cite. If the author said it well but you need to put it in the context of your remarks, paraphrase. If you want to put it in your words, summarize.

Consider:
" Damn the torpedeos, full speed ahead" David Farragut, in the battle of Mobile Bay.

Paraphrase example....Farragut in the Battle of Mobile Bay was not concerned with limited visibility in the mined entrance, he wanted to proceed quickly to battle.

Summary example...Farragut in the Battle of Mobile Bay did not hesitate to put his gunships into battle, and often ignored dangers to do so. In the battle of Island number 10, in the Mississippi River, he risked the entire fleet by transversing shallow narrow water within the enemy's cannon range. His orders to his ships were clear: Move quickly to gain position.