HopefullyInLawSchool
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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
No signal
Read a random definition: widow's allowance
A quick definition of No signal:
No signal: When you write something and use information from another source, you need to let your reader know where you got that information from. This is called a signal. Not using a signal means you are using information from another source without telling your reader where it came from. This is not good because it can make your writing seem like you made up the information yourself. In academic writing, you can only use information from another source without a signal if you are using a direct quote, restating a claim or piece of data from the source, or just giving more information about where the source can be found.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: No signal is when you use a source in your writing without letting your reader know why it's important. This means you mention the source, like a book or website, but you don't explain how it supports your argument. In academic writing, you only use no signal if you're directly quoting the source, restating a claim or piece of data from the source, or referencing the source informally to give more information about where it can be found.
Example 1: According to a study, people who exercise regularly are healthier.
In this example, there is no signal to show why the study is important. The writer needs to add a signal to explain how the study supports their argument.
Example 2: "People who exercise regularly have lower rates of heart disease," says a study published in the Journal of Medicine.
In this example, the writer is directly quoting the study, so no signal is needed.
Example 3: In a recent article on WebMD, it was reported that exercise can improve mental health.
In this example, the writer is referencing the source informally to give more information about where the information can be found, so no signal is needed.