PARAPHRASING, SUMMARIZING AND QUOTING

Guidelines for paraphrasing Paraphrase = Restating ideas of

source in detail Use when the language of the

original is wordy, dull, technical or convoluted.

Guidelines for paraphrasing Read the passage until you

understand it. Jot down the main idea and list

supporting points. As you paraphrase, follow the

order and emphasis of the original. Document your source.

Guidelines for summarizing Summary = Restate main idea in

your own words Use to briefly explain a longer

work.

Guidelines for summarizing Read the passage until you

understand it. Jot down the main ideas. As you summarize, make sure

you use your own words, not those of your source.

Document the source.

Guidelines for quoting Quoting = The author’s exact

words as they appeared in the source.

Guidelines for quoting Quote when the author’s words are

so memorable that paraphrasing would lessen the impact.

Quote when a paraphrase or summary would change the meaning.

Quote when the original language adds authority to your discussion.

Guidelines for quoting Special rule for quoting poetry:

Insert a slash / at the end of each line of the poem you are quoting.

Anzaldua uses vivid language, writing to open the second verse, “I got to the farm / in time to hear the shots / ricochet off barn” (146).