Library and Academic Services: Academic Writing and Citation: Paraphrasing &amp; Direct Quotations

Paraphrasing & Direct Quotations

Paraphrasing means to take the words of others and put them into your own words. Too many direct quotations, for example, pushes out comprehension or reflection of a research subject.

Paraphrased words still require a citation by putting the author's name within the paragraph or at the end of the sentence. Sometimes it's better to quote the source directly than paraphrase, primarily if what the author says supports what you wrote. However, know the difference between direct quotations and copy/paste plagiarism.

Image source: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

Spreadsheet Templates & Tips to Keep Track of Research

University of Toronto: Pick a Research-Tracking Method
From low-tech ways to templates, find a research tracking method to avoid searching sources for that quote or paraphrase,
Database Research Log
A brief explanation of keeping track of keywords, limiters with a template to begin tracking from Northcentral University Library.
How I Organize Sources and Citations for Papers and Research Projects with Google Sheets
From the Marble Jar Channel Lara Hammock shows how to transition from messy ways of keeping track of sources and quotes to using a spreadsheet to keep track.

Paraphrasing

O.W.L at Purdue: Paraphrasing Exercise
As part of a section paraphrasing, an exercise to practice these skills.
Examples of Paraphrasing Without Plagiarizing
From Your Dictionary, a short explanation on paraphrasing from why it's used to how to use it without committing unintentional plagiarism.

Paraphrasing: Streaming Videos

How to Paraphase in 5 Easy Steps
Jessica Liu from Scribbr presents paraphrasing in this under-four minute video.
How to Paraphrase (In 5 Simple Steps)
From the Helpful Professor YouTube Channel, host christ also presents 5 simples steps but this time shows you what not to do and why.
ESL Writing - Summarizing and Paraphrasing
Mr. P from YouTube's Englishing Channel talks about summarizing and paraphrasing. Great for Intermediate (CLB Level 5) students.
How To Paraphrase – 3 Paraphrasing Techniques
From Australia, another short video on proper paraphrasing from simple to more sophisticated.

Direct Quotations

Copy and Paste Plagiarism
From Xavier University in Ohio, a short overview of copy and paste plagiarism including a short video on three common types of plagiarism.
How to quote in academic writing
This page from Scribbr goes over quotations in academic papers and how they are cited in each style. The table of contents can open to hyperlinked sections for easy navigation.

Library Collection

Quoting, citing & paraphrasing by Weber, Karl
Location: LB 1047.3 .Q86 2007 (Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus)
In this invaluable program, a research expert teaches you how to synthesize your research sources with your own ideas to form a cohesive paper that has one consistent voice: yours. You'll learn the right ways to "plug in" the words of other writers within your own writing, so that your paper reads smoothly -- and you sound mature, thoughtful, professional, and scholarly.

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