Paraphrase and connect sources through reasoning
See this course’s project requirements
Submit a 450–650-word argument about a fictional training-center equipment-loan trial, with a source ledger and revision memo.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- Translate the assignment into a claim, audience, and evidence plan.
- Keep a three-source ledger distinguishing supplied facts, paraphrase, and your own reasoning.
- Integrate at least two sources in a reasoned argument with accurate attribution.
- Address one strong counterargument and acknowledge a material evidence limit.
- Revise the complete draft structurally and submit a memo documenting two substantive changes.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- Argument: a focused, defensible claim answers the assignment.
- Evidence: facts are accurate, attributed, and connected through reasoning.
- Complexity: the counterargument and limits are represented fairly.
- Revision: the final structure improves the argument and the memo explains meaningful changes.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
Source-based writing requires more than attaching a reference to a sentence. You must preserve the source’s meaning while writing in your own structure, and then explain how it bears on the decision. This lesson builds two body paragraphs from the ledger. Using several sources together can reveal a tension that no single source resolves alone.
Evidence becomes an argument when you explain its relevance.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Choose the need and feasibility sections from your outline. For each, write a topic sentence making one claim that advances the thesis and matches your source ledger.
- 2
Paraphrase the relevant facts with the packet closed, then compare against the ledger for accuracy. Retain crucial qualifications such as volunteer respondents and pending staff approval.
- 3
Add a clear source label immediately after each borrowed fact or idea. Use the simple A/B/C references for this practice; real assignments may require a specific citation style.
- 4
After the evidence, explain its relevance in your own reasoning. In the feasibility paragraph, show 180 ÷ 15 = 12 estimated loans weekly, conditional on approval and the estimate holding.
- 5
Draft two paragraphs totaling about 180–240 words. Check that each includes claim, evidence, and analysis, and that at least one paragraph connects information from two sources.
See how it works.
Fictional scenario: Sky writes, “The volunteer survey suggests unmet access among respondents: 18 of 30 reported lacking a home kit (Source A). This supports testing demand, but the inventory lists only 12 kits (Source B), so a trial needs a fair allocation method.” Sky then compares 180 possible staff minutes with 15 estimated minutes per loan, obtaining 12 loans per week if approval occurs. Sky labels that result an inference based on C’s estimate. The paragraphs distinguish reported facts, calculated implications, and recommendations rather than presenting every sentence as something the sources explicitly said.
Did you cover these?
- At least one paragraph uses two packet sources.
- The staff calculation is twelve estimated loans, conditional on approval.
- Source facts and writer recommendations are distinguishable.
What to finish
Two body paragraphs that name their sources and explain how evidence about demand, available equipment, and staffing fits together.
Watch for this
Changing a few words while copying a source’s structure, or letting a citation substitute for analysis.
How can I tell I understand it?
Your paragraphs preserve source meaning and show which conclusions are your own reasoned inferences.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Sources and further reading
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Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-10
Opened the handout and read distinctions between evidence types and analysis. No handout passages or exercises are copied.
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Reuse: Linked for further study. Life Starter explanations, scenarios, and assessments are original; free access alone does not grant reuse rights.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-10
Opened the public handout to verify attribution and paraphrase guidance. Local citation and academic-integrity rules must still be checked for actual assignments.
Access: Free public reading; no account or purchase required.
Reuse: Linked for further study. Life Starter explanations, scenarios, and assessments are original; free access alone does not grant reuse rights.
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