Paraphrasing Skills
Introduction
Think about it
There are two main reasons to paraphrase.
- For our own understanding. When reading a difficult text, putting the ideas into our own words helps us understand and remember it.
- To support our writing. When we offer an opinion or information in an assignment or speech, we don’t want to fill our paper with direct quotes. Paraphrasing others’ ideas (and giving them credit) helps support our opinions while staying true to our voice.
To begin, look at this well-known poem by Emily Dickinson. It has some language in it that is hard to understand. Read the poem, and then practice paraphrasing what you think it says.
Before reading more, take a moment to think about this poem. In one sentence, what do you think this poem is about?
Now, read each sentence one at a time. Stop after each one to decide what you think it means, and then click to reveal an example paraphrase.
When we put this paraphrase all together, we get this simple message:
Learn about it
Now that you have experimented with paraphrasing, let’s look at how to use paraphrasing to help you understand what you read and use it to help support your own opinions.
Three Criteria for a Good Paraphrase
Next, look at these examples of how to paraphrase. The first example shows an unacceptable paraphrase, and the second example shows two acceptable paraphrases.
Example 1: An unacceptable paraphrase
Original Source:
“Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” Lester, J. Writing Research Papers. 2nd Ed. (1976): 46-47
Unacceptable Paraphrase
Students often use too many direct quotations in taking notes, resulting in the overuse of quotations in the final paper. Only approximately 30% of your final paper should be direct quotes. Consequently, you should try to limit how many quotes you write when taking notes.
Line-by-line comparison
Compare the original source to each paraphrased line. Notice how the structure is too similar to the original to be a true rewording of the source.
Original Source |
Unacceptable Paraphrase |
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, |
Students often use too many direct quotations in taking notes |
and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. |
resulting in the overuse of quotations in the final paper. |
Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. |
Only approximately 30% of your final paper should be direct quotes. |
Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” |
Consequently, you should try to limit how many quotes you write when taking notes. |
Example 2: An acceptable paraphrase
Original Source:
“Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” Lester, J. Writing Research Papers. 2nd Ed. (1976): 46-47
Acceptable Paraphrase
In research papers students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to one-third or less. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize recording exact words (Lester, 46-47).
OR
Students should take just a few notes in direct quotes from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester, 46-47).
Line-by-line comparison
Notice how each paraphrase uses a new structure and completely re-words the original source -- and gives credit to the author.
Original Source |
Acceptable Paraphrase A |
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, |
In research papers students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to one-third or less. |
and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. |
|
Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. |
|
Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” |
Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize recording exact words (Lester, 46-47). |
Original Source |
Acceptable Paraphrase B |
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, |
Students should take just a few notes in direct quotes from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester, 46-47). |
and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. |
|
Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. |
|
Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” |
Tips for Paraphrasing
These two strategies will help you learn to paraphrase like a pro. For more ideas, check out the resources at the end of this module.
Dig Deeper
To make sure you are paraphrasing correctly, ask these three questions:
- Does your wording have the same meaning as the original?
- Have you changed the vocabulary, grammar, and word order?
- Have you cited the source?
If your answers are “Yes!” then you are on the right track. Let’s review what you have learned in the next two practice exercises.
Directions: Look at the original source and each paraphrase of the paragraph. Use what you have learned to decide if each one is an acceptable paraphrase. If it is, check the box.
Using Direct Quotes
When an author has said something particularly compelling that you want to emphasize, you may choose us a direct quote rather than a paraphrase. Direct quotations allow you to point to strong information that is important to share word-for-word. You can incorporate direct quotes and cite them much like you do for a paraphrase.
- If you use the author’s name to introduce the quote, include the page number after the quote.
- If you don’t use the author’s name to introduce your quote, then include both the author’s name and the page number after the quote.
Let's look at some examples:
Direct quote 1:
“Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.”
In-text citation
Lester pointed out, “Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes” (46-47).
OR
“Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final paper. Probably only about 30% of your final paper should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes” (Lester, 46-47).
Direct quote 2:
“Genuine multi-tasking, too, has been exposed as a myth, not just by laboratory studies but by the familiar site of an S.U.V. undulating between lanes as the driver cuts deals on his cellphone.”
In-text citation
Pinker said, ““Genuine multi-tasking, too, has been exposed as a myth, not just by laboratory studies but by the familiar site of an S.U.V. undulating between lanes as the driver cuts deals on his cellphone” (142).
OR
“Genuine multi-tasking, too, has been exposed as a myth, not just by laboratory studies but by the familiar site of an S.U.V. undulating between lanes as the driver cuts deals on his cellphone” (Pinker, 142).
Practice it
Now that you know more about paraphrasing, give it a try. Look at each original source, below. Jot down your own paraphrase of it, and then click to see an example.
Remember to ask these three questions to make sure you are paraphrasing correctly:
- Does your wording have the same meaning as the original?
- Have you changed the vocabulary, grammar, and word order?
- Have you cited the source?
Practice Source 1
Literature enables students to experience a safe “practice run” through the great issues confronting us, and having students reflect on their reading by connecting it to a contemporary point of view is essential. One of my favorite essay questions when students finish reading a book is simply, “Why did we read this? Write an essay explaining the value this book holds for the modern teenager.” Gallagher, Kelly. Deeper Reading: Comprehending Challenging Texts, 4-12. Portland, Me., Stenhouse Publishers, 2004.
Check your paraphrase
This is just one of several ways to paraphrase this paragraph:
When students read a book, they can find meaning by drawing comparisons between what is happening in the book and their own lives and the world they live in. In this way, reading gives them space to consider how they would react to real situations. Every book has something important to give, and students should consider why they are reading it (Gallagher, 20).
Practice Source 2
Teaching a student to write is like teaching a student to play basketball. The student needs to see how “real” players dribble, pass, shoot, set screens, defend, rebound, and move their feet. Coaches who stand on the sideline and scream, “Pass the ball better!” are coaches who are not helping their players develop. Gallagher, Kelly. Write Like This : Teaching Real-World Writing through Modeling & Mentor Texts. Portland, Me., Stenhouse Publishers, 2011.
Check your paraphrase
According to author and teacher Kelly Gallagher, it takes modeling, time, and practice to become a strong writer. Students learn to write by seeing how writers write and then practicing often to develop their own skills (226).
In our next module, you will learn more about how to cite paraphrases and direct quotations that you use in your work.
Resources
- Watch Shmoop’s “Quoting, Paraphrasing, & Summarizing Links to an external site.” (2:21)
- Watch Scribbr’s “How to Paraphrase in 5 Easy Steps Links to an external site.” (3:55)
- Watch Powtoon’s “Quote vs. Paraphrase Links to an external site.” (2:16)
- Visit Purdue’s Online Writing Lab on quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing Links to an external site.