Paraphrasing Class #8 February 14, 2013

For Today For next class Find one article about August Wilson’s life and times Bring the article to class If you can’t print out the article, bring some important details, facts, statistics, examples, or any other important information that you have written down from the article. We will write a paragraph summarizing the article and work on paraphrasing at least 2 facts or details from the article Please post your summaries of the article with paraphrased points on the discussion board before next class.

Different Levels of Reading: Paraphrasing When we read, we should be considerate of different things we need to do Paraphrase or translate This is when we try to understand the essential meaning of the reading What is the author trying to say? How does she say it? The paraphrase begins to point us towards possible concerns or issues related to the topic

Different levels of reading: Explaining and Clarifying Clarifying the main idea To clarify the thesis of a paragraph or larger text State the main point of the paragraph in one or two sentences. Then elaborate on the paraphrased sentences(“In other words,...”). Give examples of the meaning by tying it to concrete situations in the real world (“For example,...”).

The Different Levels of Reading: Analysis Asking the following questions in any order provides a method for analyzing. The main purpose of this article is ______________________. (Try to state, as accurately as possible, the author’s intent in writing the article. What is the author trying to accomplish?) The key question that the author is addressing is ______________________. (Figure out the key question that was in the mind of the author when he or she wrote the article. What was the key question addressed in the article?) The most important information in this article is______________. (Identify the key information the author used, or presupposed, in the article to support his or her main arguments. Look for facts, experiences, and/or data the author is using to support conclusions.) The main inferences in this article are _________________. (Identify the most important conclusions the author comes to and presents in the article.) The key concept(s) the reader needs to understand in this article is _______________________________________  

Paraphrasing When you paraphrase, you are translating the author’s ideas and thoughts into your own. Your paraphrase is successful if you are able to capture the meaning of the original statement. How can you paraphrase? What do you need to do?

When should we paraphrase? When we want to…. Provide support for claims or add credibility to your writing Refer to work that leads up to the work you are now doing Give examples of several points of view on a subject Call attention to a position that you wish to agree or disagree with Highlight a particularly striking phrase, sentence, or passage by quoting the original Distance yourself from the original by quoting it in order to cue readers that the words are not your own Expand the breadth or depth of your writing

Steps for paraphrasing Read the entire text, noting the key points and main ideas. Summarize in your own words what the single main idea of the essay is. Paraphrase important supporting points that come up in the essay. Consider any words, phrases, or brief passages that you believe should be quoted directly.

Steps for paraphrasing There are several ways to integrate quotations into your text. Often, a short quotation works well when integrated into a sentence. Longer quotations can stand alone. Remember that quoting should be done only sparingly; be sure that you have a good reason to include a direct quotation when you decide to do so. You'll

Steps for Paraphrasing Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card. Write down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.

Steps for Paraphrasing Check your version with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form. Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phrasing you have borrowed exactly from the source. Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Other options After reading and rereading the original text, Compare the original with the paraphrase. Does it have the same meaning? Did you leave out any essential details? Do you use too many exact words? Circle any words that are repeated from the original in your paraphrase. If words are general and unnecessary to switch (wall, sit) then don’t worry about switching them. If there is a phrase that is too difficult to translate (or really well written), use quotation marks within your paraphrase.

Paraphrase Try to paraphrase the following sentence: The elephant is the only animal that cannot jump with all of its legs off the ground. What is the main idea? What words can be changed? How about this one: Humpty Dumpty say on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put Humpty back together again.

Look at the examples Which one seems to be the best example of a paraphrase? Remember that the original piece is the first one. Which one seems less accurate? Which one seems plagiarized? Why?

Practice Read through the article about College Students and Critical Thinking in small groups Choose one fact or detail from the reading to paraphrase. Work with a partner to develop a paraphrase of the information