DEFINITION: Paraphrasing is when we borrow ideas, language, or phrases from another person’s text; we write these using our own language and sentence patterns.

Paraphrasing a text (such as a movie, an article, a book chapter, or a song) helps the reader grasp the important parts without having to read the source. The writer is an expert in the content of that one source, and she talks the research to her reader.

Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper. Do not answer with “I don’t know”; instead, talk about what you think a writer does. It’s good to start with what we already know or assume: When do we paraphrase? How do we paraphrase? Can we switch words around? How do we cite our paraphrases? How is paraphrase different than quote? Note: Please do not look anything up with this part. You are thinking about what you already know or have heard about integrating sources into your texts.

--If we switch words around we are O.K.. NO --If somebody did not “say it,” then they are my words. NO --I have learned about the topic somewhere else; I don’t need to cite it. NO --This comes from my own expertise. NO --I don’t know what the article is about, but I switched the words around in this one part; they are my words. NO --I don’t think we have to cite a paraphrase. We only cite quotes. NO

Paraphrasing allows the reader to trust the writer. We walk away from our reading informed, and we have confidence in the researcher because she knows her source materials. MOST OF YOUR RESEARCH WRITING WILL INCLUDE PARAPHRASING.

PARAPHRASE IS USED MORE THAN SUMMARY AND QUOTES BECAUSE : PARAPHRASE GIVES MORE DETAIL THAN SUMMARY AND ALLOWS MORE INSIGHT. PARAPHRSE PREVENTS OVERRELIANCE ON QUOTING AND SHOWS AN AUTHOR’S CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE PARTICULAR SOURCE. WE SHOULD ONLY QUOTE IN SPECIFIC INSTANCES

As a review, writers use quotes sparingly and only with the following rules: 1. Quoting an authority (who is absolutely necessary to include in the paper). 2. Using necessary dialogue. 3. Highlighting necessary bias or opposite opinions. 4. Analyzing unusual language. Ask your instructor for any other times to quote.

1. Use only important information. 2. Paraphrasing is better than quoting too much. 3. We must use our own voice and words.

1. We are allowed to use common terms, such as the author’s name or topic. No quotation marks are necessary when we use these. 2.If we borrow any key words, we must put them in quotations. 3. We must box in the source by introducing source first and then citing at the end.

ORIGINAL STATEMENT: When we paraphrase, we should make sure to allow our original voice to explain the text to our readers without stealing the original tone or sentence patterns. Paraphrasing is always better than quoting too much. PARAPHRASE ATTEMPT: Diana Agy, in her text “How to Paraphrase” seems to privilege paraphrasing in place of “quoting too much.” She talks about how important it is for a writer to know his or her sources and to “talk” the research to his or her readers (Agy13). 1. Any common terms? Yes: Paraphrase Notice it is not in quotation marks because it is a common term. 2. Are there any unique or key words that we borrowed from original writer? Yes: “quoting too much” and “talk” Notice how we put this phrase in quotation marks because we borrow the original writer’s language. We think this is an important phrase. 3. Did the author introduce the source and cite it at the end? Yes. She introduced the source here, and she cites it at the end. This helps us know where this paraphrase begins and where it ends.

HERE IS AN ORIGINAL TEXT: The more we write and talk about writing, the better writers we become. The Writing Fellow Program provides an outlet for students to chat with peers about any stage of writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, close editing, etc… Writing Fellows use redirection and sample writings to help students better understand the whys of each writing stage. Text by Diana Agy.

Students can benefit from the Writing Fellow Program by understanding redirection and considering sample papers. The more students talk about writing, the more skilled they become. 1. Did the writer use common terms? Yes: “writing” and “students”. She did not need quotation for these common words. 2. Did the writer borrow key words and use quotations correctly? YES, she borrowed key words, BUT She did not use quotations with borrowed language. To correct, she should use quotation marks with “redirection”, “sample papers” and “talk about writing” 3. Did the writer introduce the source and cite it at then end? No. We do not know where the writer begins and ends and where the source begins and ends.

Correct paraphrasing : In the text by Diana Agy, she explains the importance of communication and social activities centered around writing. She particularly targets a program she calls “Writing Fellow Program,” and she explains how these tutors help engage their tutees through various methods. Her text also highlights the importance of understanding writing as a process and that we become better writers if we understand the “whys” of various “writing stages” (qtd. In Paraphrase GPAW). 1. Does it use common terms: Yes: writing (writers), importance, understanding—no need for quotation marks. 2. Does it borrow key words and cite them with quotation marks? Yes:”writing stages” and “whys” 3. Does it introduce and cite the source correctly? Yes: In the text, and (qtd. In Paraphrase GPAW).

The main problem is using the original source as a mirror. Mirroring occurs when the writer imitates the original sentence patterns and voice. Some writers have learned that as long as they replace the original text with their own language, then all is well. But, they are mistaken!  When we paraphrase we are putting someone else’s information in our own sentence patterns. Not only must the wording be different, but the rhythm and pattern must also be our own. We think that we are paraphrasing when we are rearranging our source’s sentences while we keep their original sentence patterns, BUT WE ARE NOT. Be very careful here. This is the most common form of plagiarism.

Original: Ask not what your country can do for you. But ask what you can do for your country. Incorrect Paraphrase: Don’t ask what your nation can give you; instead, consider what you are willing to do for your country.  Notice the rhythm, the sentence pattern, and the sound are exactly the same. Notice also, although there are some word changes, the second example only mimics the first—it does NOT paraphrase the first. Correct Paraphrase: John Kennedy’s introduction stresses the importance of citizens becoming civically engaged in their country’s affairs.

CONSIDER THE NEXT EXAMPLE. Read it carefully. Know it. Students who submit plagiarized writing (purposefully or unintentionally misquoting, incorrectly paraphrasing, or incorrectly citing sources) run the risk of academic dishonesty and producing poor writing. Know the research, and talk it to your reader. Understand the conventions of citing sources, and understand the difference between quoting and paraphrasing. Text by Joe Schmoe from page 23 in a book titled Sources. 1. Write an INCORRECT PARAPHRASE of the above text, and follow the chart on slide #14. Go through each paraphrase process, and explain why your incorrect paraphrase is incorrect. 2. Write a CORRECT PARAPHRASE of the above text, and follow the chart on slide #16. Go through each paraphrase process, and explain why your correct paraphrase is correct.

What have you learned from this mini lesson? How is paraphrasing different from summarizing? How will your writing change as a result of completing this lesson?