Paraphrasing

This capsule introduces paraphrasing as a method to cite another author's ideas in your own words, distinguishing it from direct quoting. Both methods require a reference citation including the author's name and the date.

Paraphrasing involves reformulating another person's ideas in your own words. It requires a firm comprehension of the original text, aiming to make your writing smoother and easier to read. It's crucial that your paraphrased sentences are completely different from the original in structure and vocabulary, not just by replacing words with synonyms. If you use some of the original author's words, they must be put in quotation marks. Do not inject your own opinion into the same paragraph as a paraphrase.

To paraphrase effectively, introduce the paraphrase in your text, mention the author's name, replace important words with synonyms, change the word order and grammatical structure, and include a reference in author-date format with a page number. After paraphrasing, re-read it to ensure accuracy and that you've expressed the same idea as the original author in your own style. A key technique is to read the original several times, then close the source and rewrite the text from memory in your own words.

An exercise demonstrates identifying a correct paraphrase. Paraphrase A is highlighted as excellent because the text was completely restructured, vocabulary changed, and the idea restated with proper citation. Paraphrase B is identified as plagiarism due to word-for-word replication without quotation marks, even with an author and date identified.

A second exercise reinforces the concept. Paraphrase C is plagiarism because parts were copied without quotation marks or an author-date reference. Paraphrase D is correct, as the author's ideas are summarized in different words, direct quotes are properly marked, and the author-date reference is cited.

In oral presentations, you must also cite sources to maintain ethical integrity. Include excerpts at appropriate times and mention the source, with a complete reference list at the end of the slideshow, including for diagrams and images. While paraphrasing is common in research, all citations (quotes and paraphrases) should not exceed 10% of your work. Your writing should reflect your own knowledge and understanding, not just a compilation of others' work.