Reporting Verbs
When introducing references into the text (citing) you should choose suitable 'reporting' verbs as these
can:
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strengthen the arguments you are presenting
help the reader understand why the source is relevant.
Some verbs are neutral:
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Smith (2004) describes...
Jones (1999, p 3) states...
Green (2002) defines...
Jackson (2003) reports...
Some verbs draw attention to the author's viewpoint:
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Harris (2001) argues...
O'Neill (1997) disputed...
Some verbs give information about the author's work:
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Holmes (2000) investigated...
Church (1998) evaluated...
Some verbs highlight the author's viewpoint:
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Brown (2001) believes...
McAllister (1996) recognised...
Smith (2004) predicted...
1. Using other people's ideas in your writing
How do you convey the ideas of other people in English academic writing?
In some assignments it may be enough to use your own experiences, impression and responses. However
for most of the writing you'll do at university you'll need to use the ideas, writings, and research of other
people. This involves finding relevant materials, evaluating the ideas, and acknowledging the sources
of this information. (Acknowledging is also known as referencing, documenting, or citing other
people's work).
You can use references.
Using references is necessary to properly acknowledge other people's words/design/codes/results.
References show the reader:
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where you obtained the information
you have read widely
your academic opinions are supported by research
that you have recognised another person's efforts.
2. Quoting sources
A direct quote is an exact copy of what someone else has said or written.
The quotation will either be:
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in "quotation marks" if short (ie. less than three lines)
indented and/or in a different font if longer than 3 lines.
An indirect quote means taking someone else's idea or work and rewriting it into your own words or
summarising it; it is also known as paraphrasing and/or summarising.
For BOTH direct and indirect quotes you MUST acknowledge where you got the ideas from. In other
words you need to cite the author and publication details using the referencing/citation style
required by your Faculty, School or subject. APA in our school
Messages conveyed by verbs
The message
Giving factual information
Example: Martin (1994) documented various forms of plagiarism.
What the author thought
Example: It is clear that Chanock (2003) believes that much of what is
written about plagiarism is ill-considered.
The procedure
How the author did it/what the author found.
Example: Martin (1997) explains that there are a number of reasons
why students plagiarise.
What the author concludes
Example: East (2005) concludes that lecturers and students can have
different understandings of the role of referencing and advises
lecturers to be explicit about their expectations.
Words which show opinion – usually a negative evaluation
Example: East (2004), who challenged existing ways of presenting
information online, disregarded technical constraints.
Words which show opinion – usually a positive evaluation
Example: Chanock (2003) highlights the importance of presenting a
range of views.