Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is using your own words to say what the author said. It's a good way to avoid plagiarizing and overusing direct quotes.

Here's how to do it:

1. Reread the original passage until you fully understand it.
2. Set the original aside and write down the main ideas in your own words, in the same order as in the original. Use about the same number of words as the original.
3. Write down the subject of the passage to remind you later.
4. Use quotation marks around any phrase taken directly from the source.
5. Record the author, title, page number, etc. of the source for your bibliography.

Paraphrasing vs. summarizing

Paraphrase when you want to restate a long passage, including the main points and details. Summarize when you just want to include some of the main points of a long passage. A paraphrase is about the same length at the original; a summary is much shorter than the original.

Helpful links

• Facts on File: Paraphrase Correctly Sign in for access to this resource