Paraphrasing and Summarizing an Idea

The key to borrowing someone else’s material is acknowledging it as borrowed and knowing the different ways to use the borrowed material whether it be a direct quotation, a summary or a paraphrase.

Paraphrasing an idea

            Paraphrasing does not shorten the original idea; it transforms it into the writer’s own understanding.  The number of words will remain approximately the same.  Paraphrasing can be used to support your argument but use it cautiously.  It can easily degenerate into plagiarism.  REMEMBER:  Even though you are not quoting directly and do not need to use quotations, you still must credit the source.

Summarizing an idea

            A page can become a paragraph, a paragraph a sentence.  Use the summary note for capturing the essence of a lengthy passage.  Summaries may be needed for comparing different author’s views and for classifying your own understanding of a work.  Summarizing well is not easy.  You must carefully represent the author’s view without distorting the meaning or the emphasis.  If you find it necessary to include key expressions enclose them in quotation marks.  REMEMBER: You must quote the source of a summary, if not you will be plagiarizing!

Directly quoting an idea

            The direct quotation can be valuable, but its overuse constitutes padding.  Use the extended quotation only in those instances when a point of view is expressed with such unusual force, or when the words themselves are so striking that a summary or paraphrase would diminish the force. Use quotations to report testimony such as words of authority or expert comment.

A personal idea or comment

            The personal comment note represents a personal evaluation of material, usually arrived at after digesting several different sources.  This type of note should be used for recording sudden insights—the ideas that come to you in the dark of night.  Unlike the other notes, no documentation is required for the personal comment note.