5.2: Language for Reporting

Reporting Language Sentence Frames

Use language for reporting before you paraphrase, quote, or summarize information from another source. This avoids plagiarism by giving the original author, researcher, or thinker credit for their work. Below are four sentence frames writers can use to introduce ideas from sources:

According to [Author’s last name], __________.

• According to Gardner, there is more than one type of intelligence.

From [Author’s last name]s point of view, __________.

• From the Gardner's point of view, schools value linguistic-language intelligence the most.

In [Author’s last name] opinion, __________.

• In Kohn’s opinion, grades are harmful to learning, so schools should not use them to assess students.

[Author’s last name] + [strong verb] __________.

Reporting Language Examples

Brody warns that some strategies for coping with stress may do more harm in the long run. (Jody Brody — "Hello to College Joys: Keep Stress Off Campus")

Bruni suggests that students should prioritize making connections with others in college. (Frank Bruni — "How to Get the Most Out of College")

Dunn cites evidence from a 1938 Harvard study that indicates strong social connections are connected to happiness in life. (Jancee Dunn — "The 7-Day Happiness Challenge")

Gay compares happiness to stumbling upon a rainbow on a drizzly day. (Ross Gay — "The Show of Delights")

Edlund demonstrates that all logic is based on probability and assumptions by sharing the example of people erroneously killing cats to stop a plague because they assumed cats, and not fleas, were spreading the disease. (John R. Edlund — "Three Ways to Persuade")

💪 Strong Verbs

• argues, claims, states, asserts, declares
• narrates, illustrates, describes, discusses, reports,
• provides examples, presents facts
• compares, contrasts, explains, defines, informs,
• recommends, warns, criticizes, suggests, evaluates, reviews, questions