Much of the work you produce at university will involve the important ideas, writings and discoveries of experts in your field of study. Quoting, paraphrasing and summarising are all different ways of including the works of others in your assignments. Paraphrasing and summarising allow you to develop and demonstrate your understanding and interpretation of the major
ideas/concepts of your discipline, and to avoid plagiarism. Paraphrasing and summarising require analytical and writing skills which are crucial to success at university. QuotationsWhat is a quotation?A quotation is an exact reproduction of spoken or written words. Quotes can provide strong evidence, act as an authoritative voice, or support a writer's statements. For example: Bell and Bell (1993) point out in their study of Australian-American cultural relations: "culture is never simply imposed 'from above' but is negotiated through existing patterns and traditions." (Bell & Bell 1993, p. 9) Use a quote:
How to quoteQuoting should be done sparingly and support your own work, not replace it. For example, make a point in your own words, then support it with an authoritative quote.
ParaphrasingWhat is paraphrasing?Paraphrasing is a way of using different words and phrasing to present the same ideas. Paraphrasing is used with short sections of text, such as phrases and sentences. A paraphrase offers an alternative to using direct quotations and allows you to integrate evidence/source material into assignments. Paraphrasing can also be used for note-taking and explaining information in tables, charts and diagrams. When to paraphraseParaphrase short sections of work only i.e. a sentence or two or a short paragraph:
How to paraphrase
SummarisingWhat is a summary?A summary is an overview of a text. The main aim of summarising is to reduce or condense a text to its most important ideas. Leave out details, examples and formalities. Summarising is a useful skill for making notes, writing an abstract/synopsis, and incorporating material in assignments. When to summariseSummarise long sections of work, like a long paragraph, page or chapter.
How to summariseThe amount of detail you include in a summary will vary according to the length of the original text, how much information you need, and how selective you are.
Which type of research reference do you use when rephrasing the original text?If you read a paraphrase of a primary source in a published work and want to cite that source, it is best to read and cite the primary source directly if possible; if not, use a secondary source citation.
When paraphrasing or summarizing you should also give credit to the original source?A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly. Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s).
What is true about paraphrasing?Paraphrasing is taking the idea of a sentence or passage, and putting it into your own words. Paraphrasing is NOT copying the sentence and replacing or changing a few words to be different from the original. (This is called “patchwriting” and may trigger plagiarism-detecting programs.)
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