You have now learned how to cite and reference the sources you use. The next step is learning how to incorporate those sources into your own writing. In academic texts, we usually distinguish between direct quotations and paraphrases.

Video: How to paraphrase (English subtitles available under settings)

Direct quotations

A direct quotation reproduces the exact words of a source. When using a direct quotation, you must copy the text exactly as it appears in the original source, including any spelling mistakes or unusual wording. This also applies when the source is written in a language different from the one you are using in your assignment. For example, if you are writing in English and quoting a Norwegian-language source, the word-by-word quotation should remain in Norwegian. If you choose to translate it, treat it as a paraphrase (more on that below).

When using direct quotations, you must always include a page number in the in-text citation.

Direct quotations are particularly useful when:

defining important concepts,
discussing a specific wording chosen by an author,
analysing language or terminology,
citing legal documents or regulations where precise wording matters.

We distinguish between short quotations and long quotations

Short quotations (40 words or fewer):

Short quotations should be enclosed in quotation marks. The citation, including the page number, is placed before the full stop.

"Managing is a relational, reflexive and ethical activity" (Cunliffe, 2021, p. 11).

Or like this:

"Managing is a relational, reflexive and ethical activity", according to Cunliffe (2021, p. 11).

Long quotations (more than 40 words):

Long quotations should be presented with a separate indented paragraph without quotation marks. In APA 7, this is called a block quotation. The full stop comes before the citation, and a page number must always be included. For instance:

Adapted learning involves more than simply adjusting teaching methods:

Adapted education is both a means and a goal. The authorities believe that adapted education is a necessary tool if students are to achieve the curriculum's goals of academic and social learning. When this is combined with the visions of the unified school system, adapted education also becomes a goal. Thus, adapted education is not only a pedagogical concept but also a political one. (Rognaldsen, 2008, p. 205)

This suggests that adapted education extends beyond what happens in the classroom and is also shaped by broader educational and political goals.

Note: If you need to modify a quote by adding words, omitting words, or making other adjustments, consult Kildekompasset and the page "Changes to quotations".

Paraphrasing

A paraphrase involves expressing an author's ideas in your own words. The meaning should remain the same, but the wording and sentence structure should be your own. If you choose to translate a quote taken from a text in a foreign language, instead of directly quoting it in the foreign language, the translation should be treated as a paraphrase. This is because you are not reproducing the cited text word for word, but instead expressing the idea with your own words.

Although APA 7 does not require page numbers for paraphrases, it is considered good referencing practice to include them whenever possible. Doing so helps readers locate the information you are referring to. However, this may vary between different academic disciplines, so consult the course coordinator or your supervisor if you are unsure.

When paraphrasing, you do not use quotation marks. Instead, you simply provide a standard in-text citation (author’s surname, year, p. page number) immediately after the paraphrase, or before and after the paraphrase

Adapted education can be a political and pedagogical move (Rognaldsen, 2008, p. 205).

or:

According to Rognaldsen (2008), adapted education serves both political and pedagogical purposes (p. 205).

To use wording that is too similar to the original source without proper citation is considered plagiarism, even if a reference to the source exists. Therefore, it is important that you sufficiently rework the text.

If Rognaldsen (2008, p. 205) writes, "Adapted education is both a means and a goal," you have not reworked the text enough if you write:

Adapted education is both the end and a means (Rognaldsen, 2008, p. 205).

This is too close to the original! Be meticulous in how you mark your quotes, and take the time to sufficiently rework the indirect quotes.

A better paraphrase might be:

Rognaldsen (2008, p. 205) argues that adapted education functions both as a strategy for achieving educational objectives and as an objective in itself.

Notice that both the vocabulary and the sentence structure have been changed while preserving the original meaning.

Using sources effectively means knowing when to quote directly and when to paraphrase. In most academic writing, paraphrasing should be your primary approach, while direct quotations should be used selectively when the exact wording is important.

Learning to incorporate sources in your text is a fundamental academic skill, and it improves with practice. In the next section, we will look at where citations can be placed within your text.