Paraphrase: Write it in Your Own Words

GormanHarrison PrepSpring 2010

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.

What is the difference between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing?

• There are three ways of incorporating other writers' work into your own writing.

1) Quotations must be identical to the original source.

2) Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words.

3) Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s).

In your notes:

• In your own words write the three ways of incorporating other writers' work into your own writing.

• 1)• 2)• 3)• When you are completed raise your hand, so I

can check your work.

A paraphrase is...

1. your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.

2. one legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.

3. a more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

In your notes:• In your own words write the definition of what a paraphrase is:

• A paraphrase is . . .

• Draw a box and write your definition inside,

• When you are completed raise your hand so I can check your work.

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing1. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.2. Write your paraphrase in your notes.3. Like Cornell Notes, jot down a few words below your paraphrase to

remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of your notes, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.

4. Check your version against 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, so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

In your notes:• In your own words write the six steps of paraphrasing in your own

words.

• 1)• 2)• 3)• 4)• 5)• 6)

• When you are completed raise your hand so I can check your work.

Let’s Practice• Directions: 1) On page 698 in your textbook, read about

the American War of Independence

2) In writing a paraphrase the three paragraphs.

• Try not to look back at the original passage.

Share Out!

• Come up to the projector and share your work!

Apply• Reading, 2.3 “Can you expand your comprehension of what you read

by analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing information and ideas in a text?”

1) Find your CBA topic in JAT text.2) Select the first paragraph under the heading.3) Read, and re-read the passage until you understand what it

is about.4) In your notebook jot down notes that you can apply5) On the 3x5 card paraphrase the passage in your own words,

using quotes “” for text and ( ) for page numbers.6) When completed turn in as your exit ticket.