Source Integration Lesson Plan
Teach students to effectively integrate evidence through quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing while maintaining their authentic voice.
Download the complete lesson plan for offline use or print student handouts for classroom distribution.
Lesson Overview
Duration
60-75 minutes
Grade Level
9-12 / College
Focus
Evidence Integration
This lesson develops students' ability to incorporate source material smoothly into their writing. Students learn when to quote, paraphrase, or summarize—and how to maintain their authentic voice while supporting arguments with credible evidence.
Before Class: Preparation Checklist
Materials to Prepare
Technology Setup
Learning Objectives
Integration Methods
Direct Quoting
When to use:
Use exact wording for powerful language, specific definitions, or contested statements
Example:
As Morrison states, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."
Paraphrasing
When to use:
Restate ideas when the concept matters more than exact wording
Example:
Morrison encourages writers to create the stories they wish existed, rather than waiting for others to write them.
Summarizing
When to use:
Condense longer passages or entire works to their essential points
Example:
Throughout her career, Morrison advocated for authors to write from personal experience and fill gaps in literary representation.
Detailed Activity Sequence
Activity 1: Method Matching
15 min"When you're writing a research paper or essay, you have three tools for bringing in evidence: quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing. But here's the thing—each tool is designed for a specific job. Using the wrong one is like using a hammer when you need a screwdriver. Today, we're going to become experts at choosing the right tool for the job."
Distribute Decision Trees
Present Scenarios
Sample scenarios to use:
- "You want to use a scientist's definition of climate change" → Quote
- "You need to explain an author's main argument from a 10-page article" → Summary
- "You want to include statistics but the original wording is clunky" → Paraphrase
Debrief Choices
Activity 2: Quote Sandwich Construction
20 min"Now let's focus on the most misused tool: the direct quote. I call this next technique the 'Quote Sandwich' because a quote should never stand alone—it needs bread on both sides. The top bread is your introduction, the filling is the quote, and the bottom bread is your analysis. Without both pieces of bread, you've got a mess on your hands."
Model the Quote Sandwich
Distribute Graphic Organizers
- Top Bread: Signal phrase + context (who said it, why it matters)
- Filling: The quote itself with proper punctuation
- Bottom Bread: Your analysis—what does this prove? Why does it matter?
Many students will write: "Technology changes everything. 'The internet has revolutionized how we communicate' (Smith, 2023). This is important." Point out that the quote is floating—there's no introduction OR analysis. The reader doesn't know why this quote matters.
Guided Practice
The analysis (bottom bread) is where students struggle most. Encourage them to ask: "So what? Why did I include this quote? What does it prove about my argument?"
Activity 3: Transformation Practice
25 min"Now comes the real challenge. I'm going to give you ONE passage, and you're going to transform it THREE ways: as a direct quote with a signal phrase, as a paraphrase, and as a summary. This will help you feel the difference between these methods in your bones."
Distribute Source Passages
Create Three Versions
- A quote sandwich using the most powerful phrase from the passage
- A paraphrase of the main idea (different structure AND vocabulary)
- A 1-2 sentence summary of the entire passage
Watch for students who "paraphrase" by simply swapping synonyms while keeping the same sentence structure. This is called patchwriting and still constitutes plagiarism. True paraphrasing requires restructuring the entire sentence.
Teach the "Read, Cover, Write, Check" method for paraphrasing:
- Read the passage until you understand it
- Cover the original text
- Write the idea in your own words from memory
- Check against the original to ensure accuracy and originality
Peer Review
- The quote has proper introduction and analysis
- The paraphrase uses different structure, not just synonyms
- The summary captures the main idea only
Activity 4: Integration Analysis
20 min"Let's see how the pros do it. We're going to analyze paragraphs from published academic writing to see how professional writers integrate sources. Notice that their writing sounds smooth—you can't tell where their voice ends and the source begins."
Distribute Academic Paragraphs
Annotate for Methods
- Circle signal phrases
- Underline direct quotes
- Put brackets around paraphrases
- Star the author's analysis/commentary
Discussion
- What patterns do you notice?
- How do professional writers maintain their voice?
- What signal phrase variety do you see?
Point out that professional writers rarely use long quotes. Most quotes are short phrases integrated into the writer's own sentences. This keeps the writer's voice in control.
Student Handouts
Quote Sandwich Graphic Organizer
Use this organizer to build properly integrated quotes with context and analysis.
A quote should never stand alone—it needs "bread" on both sides!
🍞 TOP BREAD: Introduction
Who is speaking? What context does the reader need?
🥬 FILLING: The Quote
The exact words from your source (with quotation marks and citation)
🍞 BOTTOM BREAD: Analysis
What does this quote prove? How does it support your argument?
🍞 TOP BREAD: Introduction
🥬 FILLING: The Quote
🍞 BOTTOM BREAD: Analysis
Self-Check:
Signal Phrase Word Bank
Use these phrases to introduce sources smoothly into your writing.
Neutral / Reporting
states, notes, observes, explains, points out, reports, mentions, describes, discusses, writes, comments, remarks, indicates, identifies
Agreeing / Supporting
confirms, demonstrates, proves, supports, validates, establishes, shows, reveals, illustrates, verifies, affirms, endorses
Disagreeing / Challenging
argues, claims, contends, disputes, questions, challenges, denies, refutes, rejects, counters, opposes, criticizes
Suggesting / Theorizing
suggests, implies, indicates, proposes, theorizes, hypothesizes, speculates, assumes, posits, predicts, infers
Sentence Frames for Practice:
⚠️ Avoid Repetition!
Don't use the same signal phrase over and over. If you've used "states" three times, switch to "observes," "explains," or "points out."
Integration Method Decision Tree
Follow this flowchart to choose the best way to integrate source material.
USE DIRECT QUOTE
CONSIDER PARAPHRASE
USE SUMMARY
USE PARAPHRASE
QUOTE When...
- • Author's exact words are powerful
- • It's a specific definition
- • You'll analyze the language itself
- • It's a contested or controversial claim
PARAPHRASE When...
- • The idea matters, not the wording
- • Original is too complex or technical
- • You need specific details
- • You want to simplify for your audience
SUMMARIZE When...
- • You need only the main point
- • Source is very long (article, book)
- • Details aren't relevant to your argument
- • You're providing background context
Practice: Which method would you use?
You want to use a scientist's exact definition of "climate feedback loop."
You need to explain the main argument of a 15-page research article.
Statistics show 68% of teens report anxiety after social media use.
Paraphrase Self-Check Worksheet
Use this worksheet to verify your paraphrase is genuinely original.
⚠️ What is Patchwriting?
Patchwriting means copying a sentence but just swapping in synonyms. This is still plagiarism! True paraphrasing requires changing BOTH vocabulary AND sentence structure.
Original Passage:
My Paraphrase:
Self-Check Criteria:
Reflection: How is my version different from the original?
💡 The "Read, Cover, Write, Check" Method
- Read the passage until you truly understand it
- Cover the original text completely
- Write the idea in your own words from memory
- Check your version against the original for accuracy AND originality
Source Integration Self-Assessment
Evaluate your draft to ensure effective source integration.
Count Your Integrations:
Quote Integration Check:
Paraphrase Check:
Voice Balance Check:
One thing I do well with source integration:
One thing I need to improve:
Real Examples: Strong vs. Weak Integration
Quote Integration
"Social media affects teenagers. 'Studies show 68% of teens report feeling anxious after using social platforms' (Chen, 2023). This is concerning."
❌ No introduction, no analysis—the quote is just floating there.
"Chen's (2023) research reveals a troubling pattern in adolescent mental health: 'Studies show 68% of teens report feeling anxious after using social platforms' (p. 45). This statistic suggests that the very tools designed to connect young people may instead be creating psychological barriers to genuine connection."
✅ Signal phrase introduces the quote; analysis explains its significance.
Paraphrase vs. Patchwriting
Original:
"The rapid development of artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed how businesses approach customer service and data analysis."
"The quick growth of AI has fundamentally changed how companies approach customer support and information analysis."
❌ Same structure, just synonym swaps. This is NOT acceptable.
"Businesses now rely on AI to handle tasks that once required large customer service teams, while also using machine learning to identify patterns in data that humans might miss (Smith, 2023)."
✅ Different structure, different vocabulary, same core idea, properly cited.
Signal Phrase Variety
"Smith says technology is changing education. Smith says students learn differently now. Smith says teachers need new training."
❌ "Says" repeated three times—monotonous and shows limited vocabulary.
"Smith argues that technology is transforming educational paradigms. Her research demonstrates that students now process information through multiple modalities simultaneously. Consequently, she recommends that teacher training programs incorporate digital literacy as a core competency."
✅ "argues," "demonstrates," "recommends"—varied and purposeful signal phrases.
Common Student Mistakes & Interventions
Quotes appear without introduction or analysis, floating disconnected in the paragraph.
Intervention:
"Quotes are evidence, not arguments. You still need to make the argument. Ask yourself: Why did I include this? What does it prove?"
Students swap synonyms while keeping the original sentence structure, thinking this counts as paraphrasing.
Intervention:
Teach the "Read, Cover, Write, Check" method. Have students read the passage, put it away, then write from memory. This forces genuine restructuring.
Papers that are 40-50% direct quotes, leaving little room for the student's own analysis and voice.
Intervention:
Set a guideline: No more than 10-15% of a paper should be direct quotes. Challenge students to convert some quotes to paraphrases.
Students believe that because they changed the wording, they don't need to cite the source.
Intervention:
"The words are yours, but the idea isn't—you still credit the idea. If you learned it from a source, cite the source."
Paper reads like a string of sources with no student analysis or original thought connecting them.
Intervention:
For every source you cite, add at least one sentence of YOUR analysis. Ask: "What do I think about this? How does it connect to my argument?"
Differentiation Strategies
Emerging Learners
Students who need additional support with academic language and source integration concepts.
- •Provide pre-filled signal phrase sentence starters
- •Use color-coded quote sandwich templates
- •Limit to one integration method per practice session
- •Pair with proficient partner for guided practice
- •Allow verbal explanation before written practice
Developing Learners
Students building confidence with source integration who benefit from structured practice.
- •Use complete quote sandwich graphic organizer
- •Practice all three methods with scaffolded passages
- •Provide signal phrase word bank for reference
- •Independent practice with peer review opportunities
- •Self-assessment checklist for each integration
Proficient Learners
Students ready for complex synthesis and sophisticated integration techniques.
- •Integrate multiple sources in single paragraphs
- •Analyze professional academic writing for technique
- •Practice strategic method switching within paragraphs
- •Evaluate and revise peer integrations
- •Create original decision trees for complex topics
English Language Learners
Students developing academic English who benefit from visual supports and explicit instruction.
- •Pre-teach signal phrase vocabulary with L1 connections
- •Provide visual quote sandwich diagrams
- •Allow first language discussion before English writing
- •Use sentence frames with grammatical scaffolding
- •Partner with bilingual peer for clarification
Time Adaptations
Quick Version
- • Focus on one integration method (quoting)
- • Skip transformation practice activity
- • Use pre-made examples instead of student creation
- • Assign handout completion as homework
Standard
- • Complete all four activities as designed
- • Full quote sandwich practice session
- • In-class handout work with teacher support
- • Time for peer feedback on integrations
Extended
- • Add extended peer review and revision
- • Include multi-source synthesis activity
- • Practice with student-selected passages
- • Add reflection writing on method choices
Materials & Tools
Digital Tools
Classroom Materials
• Quote Sandwich Graphic Organizer (printable above)
• Signal Phrase Word Bank handout (printable above)
• Integration Method Decision Tree (printable above)
• Paraphrase Self-Check Worksheet (printable above)
• Published academic paragraph examples
Assessment Rubric
| Criteria | Developing (1) | Proficient (2) | Mastery (3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method Selection | Inappropriate method choices for context | Usually selects appropriate method | Consistently chooses optimal method with clear rationale |
| Quote Integration | Quotes dropped without context or analysis | Quotes introduced OR analyzed (partial sandwich) | Full "sandwich" with introduction AND analysis |
| Paraphrase Quality | Patchwriting or meaning lost/distorted | Restructured with some original vocabulary | Fully reworded with meaning preserved accurately |
| Voice Balance | Source-dominated; student voice absent | Adequate balance of sources and analysis | Clear student voice with strategic evidence support |
| Signal Phrases | Missing or repetitive ("says" repeatedly) | Some variety in signal phrase choices | Varied and purposeful signal phrases |
Extension Activities
Homework: Integration Revision
Students select a previous paper they've written and identify 3 quotes that lack proper integration. They revise each quote into a proper "quote sandwich" with signal phrase introduction and analysis. Submit both original and revised versions.
Advanced: Synthesis Challenge
Given 2-3 sources on the same topic, students write a single paragraph that integrates all sources using varied methods (at least one quote, one paraphrase, one summary). The paragraph must present a clear original argument supported by the sources.
Related Resources
Paraphrasing Guide →
Detailed paraphrasing techniques
Quoting Guide →
When and how to use direct quotes
Writing Source Integration →
Student-facing integration guide
Citation Skills Lesson →
Teaching proper attribution
Plagiarism Checker →
Verify original content
Paraphrase Tool →
Practice effective rewording