When incorporating a quote or paraphrased text from another source, what is the best practice?

When incorporating a quote or paraphrased text from another source, the best practice is to make a claim and then support that claim with evidence. This approach ensures that you are not merely presenting information, but rather integrating the quote or paraphrase into your argument effectively. By making a claim first, you provide a clear point of view, and then you use the evidence from the external source to bolster that perspective.

This method emphasizes critical thinking and contributes to a stronger overall argument, as it demonstrates how the external material relates to your ideas. Additionally, it helps to show the relevance and significance of the quote or paraphrase in the context of your work, which is essential for effective research and writing.