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Paraphrasing and Quoting

Paraphrasing is expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words. Quoting is providing the exact words of someone else. Either way, you need to credit your sources.

Paraphrasing

When you paraphrase, you restate the ideas in a source using your own words. Follow these steps:

1. Read the part you want to paraphrase. Understand it as a whole.
2. Paraphrase sections, not sentences. Put the main idea of the section in your own words, writing your own sentences to show your understanding.
3. Check for fairness. Make sure your paraphrase reflects the writer’s original intention.
4. Cite your sources. (See the “Helpful Hint” below.)

Quoting

Quote only passages that express an idea especially well, and then make sure you quote the exact words of the person. Follow these tips: