Paraphrasing and Summarizing

What is paraphrasing? Quote someone’s idea indirectly Rephrase or rewrite Must not change the meaning Avoid plagiarism

Original passage Language is the main means of communication between peoples. But so many different languages have developed that language has often been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among peoples. For many years, people have dreamed of setting up an international, universal language which all people could speak and understand. The arguments in favor of a universal language are simple and obvious. If all people spoke the same language, cultural and economic ties might be much closer, and good will might increase between countries (Kispert)

Unacceptable Paraphrase Language is the principal means of communication between peoples. However, because there are numerous languages, language itself has frequently been a barrier rather then and aid to understanding among the world population. For many years, people have envisioned a common universal language that everyone in the world could communicate in. The reasons for having a universal language are clearly understandable. If the same tongue were spoken by all countries, they would undoubtedly become closer culturally and economically. It would probably also create good will among nations. (Kispert) Acceptable Paraphrase Humans communicate through language. However, because there are so many languages in the world, language is an obstacle rather than an aid to communication. For a long time, people have wished for an international language that speakers all over the world could understand. A universal language would certainly build cultural and economic bonds. It would also create better feeling among countries. (Kispert)

How to paraphrase? Step1: Read the original passage several times until you understand fully. Look up unfamiliar words, and find synonyms for them. If you need to take notes, write down only on or two words for each idea—not complete sentences. Step2: Write your paraphrase from memory. Include as much of the information as you remember. Don’t look at the original while you are writing. Step3 Check you paraphrase against the original for accuracy and completeness. If necessary, add points you have missed. Step4 Name the source of the original passage in parentheses at the end of your paraphrase.

Practice Paraphrase the following paragraph: The work ethic of American s and Europeans Europeans often observe that Americans schedule everything except time for relaxation. This is particularly true of American executives, who drive themselves hard, often at the expense of their families and their health. Americans have fewer holidays and take shorter vacations than do Europeans. In the opinion of many German and French executives, American executives are obsessed with work; they’re workaholics. Most Europeans do not accept working on weekends or holidays; they reserve these times for themselves and their families.

What is paraphrasing? Similar to paraphrasing, but shorter Must not change the meaning Avoid plagiarism

How to summarize? Step1 Read the original passage several times until you understand fully. Look up unfamiliar words, and find synonyms for them. If you need to take notes, write down only on or two words for each idea—not complete sentences. Step2 Write your summary from memory. Include important points and omit unnecessary details. Don’t look at the original while you are writing. Step3 Check your summary against the original for accuracy. Step4 Put the source of the original passage in parentheses at the end of your summary.