Secondary Source Template 1
Argument note: [Author] argues [claim] using [evidence/method] within [scope].
4 Secondary Source Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
A strong use of secondary sources distinguishes the author’s argument from the underlying evidence, evaluates relevance and credibility, and puts scholarly interpretations into conversation instead of treating them as interchangeable facts.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
Secondary Source Template 2
Comparison: [Author A] interprets [issue] as [view], whereas [Author B] emphasizes [different view].
Secondary Source Template 3
Use in paragraph: According to [source], [specific claim]. This supports/complicates [your point] because [analysis].
Secondary Source Template 4
Source check: claim used → [claim]; source type → [type]; underlying evidence → [evidence]; limitation → [limit].