How to Use Information

1) Identify the speaker and context of the quote.

Example: Eric Thompson, a leading computer security expert with Microsoft Systems, stresses the importance of installing antivirus software on every business computer. "In the 21st century millions of businesses manage their data (client databases, finances etc) via computers and this brings considerable dangers. In simple terms, no protection can mean you are the proverbial sitting duck in cyberspace." (Thompson, 48)

2) Lead in with your own idea

Example: The first reason it is important to install antivirus software on your computer is because it can improve your computer's performance. "If a computer becomes infected by viruses, malware or Trojans they can eat into precious hard drive space, block important programs and even deny connection to the Internet" (Thompson, 49).

3) Formulas

In (title of source), (author) writes/ argues/ explains/ describes, "quote" (#).

Example: In Five Reasons Why Businesses Should Not Skimp on Antivirus Software, Thompson argues, "The more dangerous viruses can wipe a computer hard drive or, perhaps even more worryingly, edit and change data on a hard drive without the owner knowing." (50)

To avoid monotony, try to vary your formulas.  The following models suggest a range of possibilities:

According to (author) in (title), "quote" (#).

In the words of researcher Herbert Terrace, “…”

Jason Applegate, Smith’s trainer, points out, “…”

“…,” claims linguist Noam Chomsky.

Psychologist H.S. Terrace offers an odd argument for this view, “…”