Writing: Summarizing and Paraphrasing (B2) - Lesson 3: Integrating Summarized/Paraphrased Information (Basic)

B2 Lesson 3: Integrating Summarized/Paraphrased Information (Basic)

You have learned how to summarize and paraphrase information from other texts. This is the final step: learning how to smoothly integrate¹ that information into your own paragraphs to support your arguments.

In academic writing, you don't just present a list of summaries. You use information from sources as evidence to make your own points stronger and more credible.

The "Information Sandwich" Method

A great way to integrate information is to think of it as making a sandwich. You need bread on the top and bottom to hold the filling together.

1. The Top Slice (Introduce): Use your own words and a signal phrase² to introduce where the information is from.
2. The Filling (Present): Provide the paraphrased or summarized information from the source.
3. The Bottom Slice (Explain): Use your own words again to explain why this information is important or how it connects to your main point.

Useful Signal Phrases

Use these phrases to introduce information from a source³. This also acts as a simple citation⁴.

• According to [the author / the report]...
• The author states that...
• Research from [institution] shows that...
• As [the author's name] explains,...

Integration in Action: Deconstructing a Paragraph

Let's look at a paragraph from an essay about public health. Notice how the writer uses the "Information Sandwich" to include a fact from a source.

(Your Point) → Promoting regular physical activity is one of the most effective strategies for preventing heart disease in adults.

(Introduce) → According to a major 2024 report from the World Health Organization,

(Present - Paraphrased Info) → individuals who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular problems.

(Explain - "So what?") → This evidence clearly demonstrates that public health campaigns should not only focus on diet but must also strongly encourage active lifestyles to reduce the burden of heart disease on society.

✍️ B2 Integration Checklist

• ✔️ Have I introduced the source information with a signal phrase?
• ✔️ Is the information itself correctly paraphrased or summarized?
• ✔️ Have I added my own sentence of explanation or commentary⁵ to show why the information is important?
• ✔️ Does the integrated information directly support the main point of my paragraph?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Missing Part

Read the paragraph below. Which part of the "Information Sandwich" is missing?

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Paragraph: "Improving public transportation is crucial for reducing air pollution in modern cities. A recent study found that the air quality in cities with extensive subway systems is 40% better than in cities that rely only on cars. This shows that a good public transport network can have a huge positive impact."

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Answer: The **Introduce** part is missing. The writer presents a "recent study" but does not use a signal phrase to introduce it properly (e.g., "According to a recent study...").

📝 Homework: Integrate Information

Your homework is to practice integrating a piece of evidence into your own paragraph.

Your Topic Sentence: "Providing students with laptops or tablets in the classroom can significantly improve their engagement and learning outcomes."

Information from a Source: A 2025 study by the Ministry of Education found that students in classrooms with a 1-to-1 device program scored 15% higher on their final exams than students in traditional classrooms.

Your Task: In your notebook, write one short paragraph. Start with the topic sentence above, and then use the "Information Sandwich" method to smoothly integrate the paraphrased information from the source. Remember to Introduce, Present, and Explain!

Vocabulary Glossary

1. To integrate: (Verb) - បញ្ចូលគ្នា - To combine two or more things in order to make them more effective. ↩
2. Signal Phrase: (Noun Phrase) - ឃ្លាសញ្ញា - A phrase used to introduce a quote, paraphrase, or summary from another source (e.g., "According to..."). ↩
3. Source: (Noun) - ប្រភព - A book, article, person, or other resource that provides information. ↩
4. Citation / To Cite: (Noun / Verb) - ការដកស្រង់ / ដកស្រង់ - A note that gives credit to the original source of information. ↩
5. Commentary: (Noun) - អត្ថាធិប្បាយ - A set of explanatory or critical notes on a text; your own analysis of evidence. ↩