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How to Use Information

How do I paraphrase a source?

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing a source means that you use your own words to discuss a specific source’s idea. This is often useful in situations when you can state this idea more clearly or concisely than the source has. For paraphrasing, strive for brevity while capturing the idea of a sentence or paragraph’s point (think “smaller picture,” local ideas).

When would you paraphrase?

1. To change the organization of ideas for emphasis. You may have to change the organization of ideas in source material so that you can emphasize the points that are most related to your paper.  You should remember to be faithful to the meaning of the source.
2. To simplify the material. You may have to simplify complex arguments, sentences, or vocabulary.
3. To clarify the material. You may have to clarify technical passages or specialized information into language that is appropriate for your audience.

Sample paraphrase

You would paraphrase an author's work in a research paper like this:

Reflecting upon her new career as a struggling writer, Karr explains that she was more concerned with physically resembling a poet than working on her writing (97).

Here, a paraphrase is useful because it describes the same idea that the author intended, but it clarifies the point for a reader who may not be familiar with Karr’s work. It also shortens the sentence significantly. A citation is needed for this paraphrase because it refers to a specific section in the text that has been restated differently.

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 on a note card.

  3. Jot 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.

  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 note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

(6 Steps from the Purdue Owl)