Is it Quoting, Paraphrasing, or Summarizing

bysasselin

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Updated 9 years ago

I thought I would write this as training, but decided a blog is quicker. It is intended to help you understand the uses of and distinctions between quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. I want to compare and contrast theses three terms, as well as give some pointers. This information is similar to that found at many different colleges from across the US, and hopefully will help you to know how and when to use any of the three.

( I have tried to not quote, paraphrase or summarize in this blog. However, this subject has so many contributors from so many sources that if you find I did, let me know and I will give the required credits.)

Why should you use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries?

The use of quotations, paraphrases, and / or summaries will serve many purposes. Some of the places where you might use them are:

• Provide support for claims in your writing
• Add credibility to your writing via reference
• Refer back to work that leads up to the project 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

Many writers frequently intertwine summaries, paraphrases, and quotations throughout their writings. As part of a summary of an article, a chapter, or a book, a writer might include paraphrases of various key points blended with quotations of striking or suggestive phrases.

What are the differences among quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing?

There are three ways in which to incorporate the work of other writers' into your own writing. These three ways differ according to the closeness of what you write in your writing to that of the source writing. So let’s look at the differences first.

A Quotation is identical to the original writing, where you are using a narrow segment of the source. Theses must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author. My experience has shown that linking to the source is a help, and the author’s have had no problem. Many sites will tell you that on their Terms of use page, and no other requests is needed.

To paraphrase someone will involve you putting a portion from source material into your own words. A paraphrase should also be attributed to the original source especially if from a single source. When you paraphrase material, it is usually shorter than the original passage. It is taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it down.

Then you may want to summarize. This involves taking the main idea(s) and putting it(them) into your own words. However, you are only including the main point(s). Once again, you should attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original. Your summary should take a broad overview of the source material.

So how do you use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries

When I start researching for an article, I usually copy and paste anything I feel is important. I always include my links at the beginning of the article. Here are the steps I take.

• Read the entire text, noting any key points and/or main ideas.
• Summarize what I read in my own words what the single main idea of the article is.
• Paraphrase any important supporting points that come up in the article.
• Consider any words, phrases, or brief passages that I believe should be quoted directly.

There are many ways to integrate quotations into your writing. Personally, I have found that a short quotation will works well when integrated into a sentence. If a longer quotation is needed, it should stand alone.

Remember that quoting should normally be done sparingly. Try to have a good reason to include a direct quotation when you decide to do so.

Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

Paraphrasing is the one way many of us use a text in our own writing without directly quoting source material. Anytime you are taking information from a source that is not your own, you should specify where you got that information.

A paraphrase is...

• Your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• One legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• A more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• It is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• It helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• The mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

1. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
2. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase out on a separate page.
3. Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the page, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
4. Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
5. Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
6. Record the source (including the page) on your page so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.