What is the recommended approach to distinguishing quotes from paraphrase in notes?

• A. Clearly distinguish quotes from paraphrase and verify accuracy
• B. Mix quotes with paraphrase interchangeably
• C. Attribute quotes only after publication
• D. Do not distinguish quotes from paraphrase

Answer: (A)

In note-taking, you should clearly separate exact quotations from paraphrased material and verify that each is accurate. When you quote, use the exact words from the source, place them where they belong in your notes, and record the source so you can check it later. When you paraphrase, restate the idea in your own words while still crediting the original source, making sure you’ve preserved the meaning and nuance. Verifying accuracy means comparing the quote to the original text and reviewing your paraphrase to ensure it faithfully conveys the intended message without altering meaning. This practice protects you from misquoting or misrepresenting ideas, helps you track sources, and makes later retrieval and citation straightforward. Mixing quotes with paraphrase creates confusion about what is exact language versus summarized content, and waiting to attribute quotes or failing to distinguish them at all can lead to errors in attribution and understanding.