C2 Lesson 2: Smooth and Ethical Integration of Source Material
You have learned to synthesize ideas from multiple sources. The final skill is to master the art of smoothly and ethically1 integrating this information into your own writing. Dropping a quote or paraphrase into your paragraph without proper introduction disrupts the flow and can seem unprofessional.
Effective integration2 involves weaving the source material into the fabric of your own sentences and arguments.
Advanced Integration Techniques
Move beyond basic signal phrases like "He says..." to show a more nuanced understanding of the source's intent.
1. Use Sophisticated Signal Verbs
The verb you choose can indicate the author's tone or your attitude towards their claim.
- To state a neutral fact: The report states... / The author observes...
- To describe an argument: Dr. Chan argues... / The author contends... / She maintains that...
- To mention a weaker point you might challenge: Some critics claim... / The author suggests...
2. Use Direct Quotations Sparingly
Paraphrase most of the time. Only use a direct quote when the author's original words are particularly powerful, memorable, or precise. Never quote simple facts.
Smooth Integration: The Prime Minister described the new policy as "an essential step towards a more sustainable future."
The Ethics of Representation
As a writer, you have an ethical responsibility to represent your sources fairly. Never "quote mine"—taking a quote out of context—to misrepresent an author's argument.
Original Source Text: "While the new environmental policy has some significant challenges regarding its high initial cost, the long-term benefits for public health and biodiversity are undeniable."
Unethical Misrepresentation:
As the author states, "the new environmental policy has some significant challenges," which proves it is not a good idea.
(This is unethical because it only uses the negative part and ignores the author's main point.)Ethical Representation:
Although the author acknowledges that the new policy has "significant challenges regarding its high initial cost," they ultimately argue that the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
(This fairly represents the author's complete, nuanced argument.)C2 Ethical Integration Checklist
- Have I introduced all source material with a varied and appropriate signal phrase?
- Is all paraphrased information truly in my own words and sentence structure?
- If I used a direct quotation, was it because the original language was uniquely powerful?
- Have I represented the original author's ideas fairly and accurately, without distorting the meaning?
- Have I followed all source information with my own analysis or commentary to show why it is relevant?
Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Signal Verb
Read the context and choose the most nuanced and appropriate signal verb to complete the sentence.
Context: You are writing about a scientist, Dr. Meas, who has a controversial theory that is not yet widely accepted.
Sentence: "Dr. Meas ______ that the ancient ruins are much older than previously believed."
- states
- proves
- contends
Answer: C. contends. This verb suggests that Dr. Meas is putting forward an argument that might face opposition. "States" is too neutral, and "proves" is too strong for a theory that is not yet accepted.
Homework: Synthesize and Integrate
Your homework is to practice the art of smooth, ethical integration.
Source A (from an economist): "The construction of a new deep-water port in Sihanoukville is projected to increase Cambodia's GDP by 2% annually by creating a major hub for international trade."
Source B (from an environmental group): "The required dredging for the new deep-water port will irreversibly damage sensitive marine ecosystems, including coral reefs that are vital for local fish populations."
Your Task: Write one cohesive C2-level paragraph. Your paragraph must:
- Start with your own topic sentence that acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
- Smoothly integrate the paraphrased information from both Source A and Source B.
- Show the relationship between the two sources (e.g., they present conflicting viewpoints).
- End with your own concluding thought.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Ethical: (Adjective) - Khmer: មានសីលធម៌ - Relating to moral principles; morally good or correct. ↩
- To integrate: (Verb) - Khmer: បញ្ចូលគ្នា - To combine two or more things in order to make them work together effectively. ↩
- Signal Verb: (Noun Phrase) - Khmer: កិរិយាស័ព្ទសញ្ញា - The verb used to introduce a quote or paraphrase, which can indicate the author's tone (e.g., argues, suggests, claims). ↩
- To misrepresent: (Verb) - Khmer: បង្ហាញខុស - To give a false or misleading account of something or someone. ↩
- To distort: (Verb) - Khmer: បំភ្លៃ - To pull or twist out of shape; to give a misleading account or impression.