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Writing Module:: Paraphrasing

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Writing Module:: Paraphrasing

Uploaded by

pot pooot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing Module:

Paraphrasing

© University of Guelph 2010


In this module…

 Debunk common paraphrasing myths

 Learn 5 key paraphrasing strategies

 Test paraphrases for plagiarism

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #1

Paraphrasing means changing a few


words here and there so that my version
isn’t identical to the original

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #1

Paraphrasing means changing a few


words here and there so that my version
isn’t identical to the original

 Paraphrasing means putting ideas and


information in your own words, using as
few words as possible from the original.

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #2

Paraphrasing doesn’t mean I have to


change the structure or order of the
sentences and words

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #2

Paraphrasing doesn’t mean I have to


change the structure or order of the
sentences and words

 The author “owns” both the words and the


structure of the idea. To fully paraphrase,
you must use your own words and
structure.

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #3

I can use the author’s idea any way I want in


order to prove my point.

© University of Guelph 2010


Myth #3

I can use the author’s idea any way I want in


order to prove my point.

 Never take an author’s idea out of


context—make sure your paraphrase
preserves the meaning of the original.

© University of Guelph 2010


Good paraphrases…
1) use synonyms/different forms of words

“Optimizing peak bone mass during the early years is


thought to be a key factor in preventing osteoporosis later in
life.”

One important way to prevent osteoporosis is to build


bone mass while you are young (1).

Johnson, C. et al (2008). Osteoporosis health beliefs among younger and older men and
women. Health Educ Behav 35, 721.
© University of Guelph 2010
Good paraphrases…
2) change the order and structure of sentences
“However, as the consequences of osteoporosis are not
immediately evident, many young adults do not perceive
themselves as being at risk; as a result, many young adults
will therefore not practice preventative lifestyle habits such
as participating in weight-bearing physical activity or
consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.”

Few young adults exercise and take vitamins to prevent


osteoporosis, because the effects of the disease are not
visible until later in life and they are not aware of that they
may be at risk (1).

© University of Guelph 2010 Johnson, C. et al . (2008). Osteoporosis health beliefs among younger
and older men and women. Health Educ Behav 35, 721.
Good paraphrases…
3) change the perspective or voice

We found that environmentally friendly products are being purchased


more often by consumers.

Written from the


perspective of the
researchers

Researchers have shown that consumers are increasingly opting to


buy products that are environmentally-friendly.

Written from your


perspective as a reader

© University of Guelph 2010


Good paraphrases…
4) preserve the author’s meaning or intent
 Check and compare
 Did you get the ideas right?
 Underline any words echoed directly from the source

5) cite the source accurately


 Put the citation immediately where the paraphrase occurs
e.g. Researchers discovered the jiggawatt in 1975 (Smith, 2010).

© University of Guelph 2010


Paraphrase or Plagiarism?

 Maria has written


a paraphrase and
wants to know if it’s
a paraphrase or
plagiarism…can
you tell the difference?

© University of Guelph 2010


Paraphrase or Plagiarism?

Step 1: Read the original

A variety of evidence points to the existence of


dark matter in the universe. As it is not directly
observable with conventional astronomical
techniques, we must rely on computer modules
to guide our understanding.

From: Lanzel, P.A. and Barnes, E.I. (2009). Global behavior of radial orbit
instability. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics (Aug.): 1-13.
Excerpt is from p.1.

© University of Guelph 2010


Paraphrase or Plagiarism?
Step 2: Compare the original to Maria’s paraphrase

What to watch for:

• copy no more than 3 WORDS IN A ROW?

• use SYNONYMS?

• change the ORDER of the ideas?

• include a REFERENCE to the original


work?

© University of Guelph 2010


Step 2: Compare the original to Maria’s
paraphrase

Original: Maria’s paraphrase:


A variety of evidence points to There is a variety
the existence of dark matter of evidence that shows dark
in the universe. As it is not matter exists in the universe.
directly observable with It is not directly observable
conventional astronomical with conventional
techniques, we must rely on astronomical techniques, so
computer modules to guide we must use computer
our understanding. models to guide our
understanding.
From: Lanzel, P.A. and Barnes, E.I. (2009). Global behavior of radial orbit
instability. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics (Aug.): 1-13.
Excerpt is from p.1.

© University of Guelph 2010


Step 2: Compare the original to a paraphrase

Does the paraphrase copy


more than 3 words in a row?
Maria’s paraphrase:
YES There is a variety of evidence
that shows dark matter exists
•Does the paraphrase use in the universe. It is not
SYNONYMS?
SOME, BUT NOT
directly observable with
ENOUGH conventional astronomical
techniques, so we must use
•Does the paraphrase change computer models to guide our
the ORDER of the ideas? understanding.
NO

•Does the paraphrase include -Words in blue are the same as those in
the original
a reference to the original -Words in green are technical terms that
author? do not (and should not) be changed to
synonyms
NO

© University of Guelph 2010


Looks like Maria
needs to revise
her paraphrase.

© University of Guelph 2010


Paraphrase or Plagiarism?

 Alex has written


a paraphrase and
wants to know if it’s
a paraphrase or
plagiarism…what do
you think?

© University of Guelph 2010


Compare the original to Alex’s paraphrase

Alex’s paraphrase:
Original:
A variety of evidence points Research about the universe
to the existence of dark suggests that dark matter exists.
matter in the universe. As it is However, scientists must
not directly observable with use computer models to learn about
conventional astronomical it because dark matter can’t be
techniques, we must rely on studied directly (Lanzel and Barnes,
computer modules to guide 2009).
our understanding.
From: Lanzel, P.A. and Barnes, E.I. (2009). Global behavior of radial orbit
instability. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics (Aug.): 1-13.
Excerpt is from p.1.

© University of Guelph 2010


Compare the original to Alex’s paraphrase

Alex’s paraphrase:
Does the paraphrase copy
more than 3 words in a row? Research about the universe
NO suggests that dark matter exists.
However, scientists must
•Does the paraphrase use use computer models to learn about
SYNONYMS?
it because dark matter can’t be
YES
studied directly (Lanzel and Barnes,
2009).
•Does the paraphrase change
the ORDER of the ideas?
YES -Words in blue are the same as those in the
original
-Words in green are technical terms that do not
•Does the paraphrase include (and should not) be changed to synonyms
a reference to the original
author?
YES

© University of Guelph 2010


Alex’s paraphrase
passes the test!

© University of Guelph 2010


Final Tips

 Try reading the source and then putting it


aside to draft your paraphrase
 Imagine you’re explaining it to a friend
 Use a thesaurus with caution. Don’t use a
word unless you understand its meaning
 Keep technical terms
 Don’t forget to cite!

© University of Guelph 2010

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