QUOTING AND PARAPHRASING:A Writing Center Workshop

by Rimun Murad and Carol Dillon

DEFINITIONS

A quote: an exact reproduction of a portion of a text, usually using quotation marks and giving credit to the original author(s) in a prescribed documentation style.

A paraphrase: a representation of a portion of a text that retains the meaning of the original text, changes the form of the original text (key words and sentence structure), and gives credit to the original author(s) in a prescribed documentation style.

WHEN TO QUOTE:

When a paraphrase would dilute or alter the meaning of the passage

When you wish to stress the point made in a text

When a noted expert’s words support your point

When controversial comments oppose or support your point(s)

When text indicates your consideration of varying views St. Martin’s Handbook, 5th ed.

EXAMPLES:

“Because the whether we globalize groups tend to be more noisy and violent, they have increasingly drowned out the how we globalize groups” (Friedman 611).

A former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mike Moore, asserts, “There will be no lasting peace unless there is peace and co-existence between religions” (615).

“So, it’s catastrophic for muddle-minded liberals to join in and cudgel impoverished workers for whom a sweatshop job is the first step on life’s escalator” (Kristof 626).

Ramage, Bean and Johnson, Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings, 6th ed, 2004

WHEN TO SUMMARIZE

When a book, chapter, article or long text contains an integral main point

WHEN TO PARAPHRASE

When a text contains details supporting your point(s)

When an expert adds credibility to your point(s) that you have already supported with quotes or text

METHODS OF PARAPHRASING

Read the text that you want to paraphrase; set it aside, and then write the text in your own words.

Take notes from the text, and then set aside; write your paraphrase later (next day?).

Change the key words of the text, using synonyms, and then change the structure (or vice versa).

UW-Madison, The Writing Center

The Paraphrase Process

The original: “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states” (Jefferson, Declaration of Independence).

Key words underlined: “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states” (Jefferson, Declaration of Independence).

Joseph M. Williams, Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 9th ed, 2007

The Paraphrase Process

The Process Continued

Key phrases: “[The history of the present King of Great Britain] is [a history of repeated injuries and usurpations], [all having in direct object] [the establishment of an absolute tyranny] [over these states]” (Jefferson, Declaration of Independence).

Paraphrase: The colonists experienced the oppressive power of King George II and III through a long period of abuses (Jefferson, Declaration of Independence).

PARAPHRASING IS DANGEROUS ONLY IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONOR ASSISTANCE:

Make an appointment at the Writing Center to bring in your sources and paper.

Practice your paraphrasing skills online at www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/

QuotingSources.html