Communications RECAP (Memory Sheet)
Communications RECAP (Memory Sheet)
COMMUNICATIONS
RECAP FOR
DUMMIES
By Mr Chicken Nugget
PARAPHRASING AND SUMMARIZING
Paraphrasing
• Paraphrasing is expressing a statement or text in different words while preserving
the original meaning.
• It helps avoid plagiarism, demonstrates understanding of the original text, and
supports your arguments.
• Effective paraphrasing techniques include using synonyms, changing parts of
speech, altering sentence structure, converting quoted speech to indirect speech,
and switching between active and passive voice.
• When paraphrasing, ensure you don't copy any text verbatim, maintain the same
meaning as the original, and write in your own style.
Summarizing
• Summarizing is providing a concise account of an original piece of writing,
capturing only the main points.
• It differs from paraphrasing as it is shorter than the original, omits details and
examples, and does not simplify the content.
• Summarizing requires strong reading comprehension skills to distinguish
between relevant and irrelevant information.
• An effective summary is comprehensive, concise, accurate, coherent, and written
in the summarizer's own words while preserving the original meaning.
• Key steps include reading the original text thoroughly, identifying main ideas,
deleting unnecessary details, making notes, and drafting the summary while
double-checking against the original.
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PARAPHRASING
Paraphrasing in Detail
• Paraphrasing involves restating a text or passage in your own words while
preserving the original meaning.
• It is an important skill to avoid plagiarism, demonstrate comprehension, and
support your arguments effectively.
Example
Original Text:
"Traditionally, in oral and written discourses, the masculine pronoun 'he' was used as a pronoun
to refer to a person whose gender was unknown or irrelevant to the context. Recently, this
usage has come under criticism for supporting gender-based stereotypes and is increasingly
considered inappropriate" (Smith, 2010, p. 24).
Paraphrased Text:
If the gender of a person was not known or was unimportant to the meaning of oral or written
texts, it was customary to use the masculine form of 'he' when a pronoun was required;
however, there has been growing concern about this practice in modern usage because it
appears to privilege stereotypes based on gender (Smith, 2010, p. 24).
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Here are 4 examples of paraphrasing at different levels:
1. Simple and Easy to Understand (For Beginners)
Original Text: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Original Text: Exercising regularly has numerous benefits for physical and mental health, including
reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood and cognitive function, and promoting weight
management.
Paraphrased: Frequent physical activity offers many advantages for the body and mind, such as
lowering the chances of developing long-term illnesses, enhancing emotional well-being and brain
power, and assisting with maintaining a healthy weight.
Original Text: The advent of social media has profoundly transformed the landscape of human
communication, enabling individuals to connect and share information on an unprecedented scale, while
simultaneously raising concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the potential for social
fragmentation.
Paraphrased: The rise of social media platforms has radically reshaped the way people interact
and disseminate data, facilitating unprecedented levels of connectivity and information exchange, yet
simultaneously giving rise to apprehensions regarding personal privacy infringements, the spread of
inaccurate or misleading content, and the possibility of societal divisions.
Original Text: "The concept of intersectionality, introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, posits that
various forms of discrimination and oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism, do not operate
independently but are inextricably intertwined, creating a complex matrix of disadvantage for individuals
who occupy multiple marginalized identities."
Paraphrased: Crenshaw's intersectionality theory asserts that diverse modes of prejudice and
subjugation, encompassing racism, sexism, and classism, are inherently interwoven rather than
functioning as discrete phenomena, thereby engendering an intricate web of disadvantage for those
inhabiting multiple marginalized social positions.
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Summarizing in Detail
Summarizing is the process of condensing a larger piece of writing into a concise account,
capturing only the main points while omitting details and examples. It is a crucial skill for
effective communication, as it enables readers to quickly grasp the essence of a text without
having to read the entire original work.
Importance of Summarizing
• Summarizing helps readers quickly understand the main ideas of a text.
• It is an essential skill for academic and professional settings, where time is limited and
information needs to be processed efficiently.
Example
Original Text: The amphibia, which is the animal class to which our frogs and toads belong,
were the first animals to crawl from the sea and inhabit the earth.
Summary: The first animals to leave the sea and live on dry land were the amphibia.
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Here are 4 examples of summarizing at different levels of complexity:
1. Simple and Easy to Understand (For Beginners)
Original Text: The amphibia, which is the animal class to which our frogs and toads belong,
were the first animals to crawl from the sea and inhabit the earth.
Summary: The first animals to leave the sea and live on dry land were the amphibia.
2. Somewhat Simple but More Detailed (Intermediate)
Original Text: Exercising regularly has numerous benefits for physical and mental health,
including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood and cognitive function, and
promoting weight management.
Summary: Regular exercise offers several advantages, such as lowering the risk of long-
term illnesses, enhancing emotional well-being and brain power, and assisting with maintaining
a healthy weight.
Original Text: The advent of social media has profoundly transformed the landscape of
human communication, enabling individuals to connect and share information on an
unprecedented scale, while simultaneously raising concerns about privacy, misinformation, and
the potential for social fragmentation.
Summary: Crenshaw's intersectionality theory asserts that diverse modes of prejudice and
subjugation, encompassing racism, sexism, and classism, are inherently interwoven rather than
functioning as discrete phenomena, thereby engendering an intricate web of disadvantage for
those inhabiting multiple marginalized social positions.
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REFERENCING (ALWAYS IN APA 7 FORMAT)
In-Text and End-Text Referencing
In-text and end-text referencing are essential components of the APA 7th edition style for
acknowledging sources used in academic writing. Here's a simple explanation with bullet points:
In-text Referencing
• In-text references are brief citations included within the body of your paper.
• They consist of the author's last name, publication year, and page number (if quoting).
• In-text references point the reader to the full citation in the end-text references.
• Examples:
• Narrative citation: Smith (2022) stated...
• They provide full details of the sources cited in the in-text references.
• The reference list is arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Examples of end-text references:
Key Points
• In-text references and end-text references work together to credit sources.
• In-text references briefly cite the source within the text.
• End-text references provide complete source details for the reader to locate the original
work.
• Proper referencing is crucial to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.
By following the APA 7th edition guidelines for in-text and end-text referencing, you can
accurately acknowledge the sources used in your academic writing.
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Here are 4 examples of in-text and end-text referencing at different levels of complexity:
1. Simple and Easy to Understand (For Beginners)
In-text citation examples:
• The cat sat on the mat (Smith, 2022).
• According to Jones (2021), dogs are loyal pets.
End-text reference examples:
Smith, J. (2022). Cats and their habits. Pet Publishers.
Jones, B. (2021). Why dogs make great companions. Animal Books.
2. Somewhat Simple but More Detailed (Intermediate) [MINIMUM LEVEL]
In-text citation examples:
• Research indicates that regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including
reduced risk of chronic diseases (Taylor et al., 2019, p. 23).
• "Physical activity can improve mood and cognitive function" (Roberts, 2020, p.
57).
End-text reference examples:
Taylor, A., Brown, B., & Green, C. (2019). The benefits of exercise. Fitness Journal,
25(3), 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1038/exercise
Roberts, J. (2020). Exercising for a healthy mind and body. Active Living Press.
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4. Academic Journal Article Level (Expert)
In-text citation examples [UNIVERSITY LEVEL]:
• Jorm et al. (2006) found that "hallucinations provide windows
into the neural underpinnings of visual awareness in these
patients" (p. 273).
• The study by Davies et al. (2018) identified 148 independent
genetic loci influencing general cognitive function.
- End-text reference examples:
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In-Text and End-Text Referencing (APA 7th Edition) [SUMMARY]
In-Text Referencing
• What It Is: Brief citations within the text of your paper.
• Purpose: To show where you got your information.
• Format: Includes the author's last name and the year of publication.
• Examples:
• Narrative: Smith (2022) found that...
• Parenthetical: The study found... (Smith, 2022).
End-Text Referencing
• What It Is: A detailed list of all sources cited in your paper, placed at the end.
• Purpose: To provide full details so readers can find the original sources.
• Format: Includes the author, year, title, and source.
• Examples:
• Book: Smith, J. A. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Pearson.
• Journal Article: Brown, L. M., & Green, P. (2019). Cognitive development
in children. Journal of Child Psychology, 45(3), 123-
145. https://doi.org/10.xxxx
Key Points
• In-Text References: Brief citations within your paper.
• End-Text References: Full details of sources at the end of your paper.
• Purpose: To credit sources and avoid plagiarism.
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Here are 3 example questions related to summarizing,
paraphrasing, and in-text/end-text referencing:
1. For Summarizing:
Read the following passage and write a concise summary capturing the main points:
"The concept of emotional intelligence has gained widespread popularity in recent years,
both in academic circles and in the business world. Emotional intelligence refers to the
ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason with emotions. It involves skills such
as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Numerous
studies have shown that individuals with high emotional intelligence tend to be more
successful in their personal and professional lives. They are better able to navigate social
situations, build strong relationships, and cope with stress and adversity. In the workplace,
emotional intelligence has been linked to better leadership, increased job satisfaction,
and higher productivity."
2. For Paraphrasing:
Paraphrase the following sentence in your own words:
"The rapid advancement of technology has profoundly transformed the way we live,
work, and communicate, presenting both opportunities and challenges that require careful
consideration and adaptation."
a) Provide an example of an in-text citation for a direct quote from this source.
b) Provide the end-text reference entry for this source in APA 7th edition style.
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ANSWERS
1. Summarizing
Question: Read the following passage and write a concise
summary capturing the main points:
Example Summary:
Emotional intelligence, which includes skills like self-awareness
and empathy, has become popular in academia and business.
Studies show that people with high emotional intelligence are more
successful personally and professionally, excelling in social interactions,
relationships, and stress management. In the workplace, it is
associated with better leadership, job satisfaction, and productivity.
How to Summarize:
• Identify the main ideas: Emotional intelligence, its components, and
its benefits.
• Omit details and examples: Focus on the core message without
specific studies or detailed descriptions.
• Use your own words: Rewrite the main points in a concise manner.
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2. Paraphrasing
Question: Paraphrase the following sentence in your
own words:
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3. In-Text and End-Text Referencing
Question: You have used the following source in your paper:
b) Provide the end-text reference entry for this source in APA 7th
edition style.
a) In-Text Citation:
• "AI could be a powerful tool for facilitating the achievement
of the SDGs, but its development and use raise several
ethical challenges that need to be addressed" (Vinuesa et
al., 2020, p. 2).
b) End-Text Reference:
Vinuesa, R., Azizpour, H., Leite, I., Balaam, M., Dignum, V.,
Domish, S., Felländer, A., Langhorne, S. D., Tegmark, M., &
Nerini, F. F. (2020). The role of artificial intelligence in achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals. Nature Communications, 11,
Article 233. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-14108-y[1]
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Explanation with Bullet Points:
• The in-text citation includes:
• Author's last name(s)
• Year of publication
• Page number for direct quotes
• It is enclosed in parentheses and comes after the
quoted/paraphrased material.
• The end-text reference entry includes:
• Author(s) last name(s) and initials
• Year of publication
• Article title
• Journal name
• Volume and issue numbers
• Page range or article number
• DOI or URL
• It is arranged alphabetically in the reference list by the
author's last name.
• The in-text citation and end-text reference are cross-
referenced using the corresponding bracketed number .
• This allows the reader to easily locate the full source details
in the reference list for the cited work.
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In-Text Citation
Source Type Example End-Text Reference Example
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In-Text Citation
Source Type Example End-Text Reference Example
Report
(Government/Org Author, A. A. (Year). Report title.
anization) (Author, Year) Publisher. https://www.url.com
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TRANSITION SIGNALS AND
COHERENCE LINKING WORDS
Transition Signals:
• Words or phrases that act like bridges between sentences and
paragraphs
• Help carry the reader smoothly from one idea to the next
• Act like signposts to indicate the flow and connection of ideas
• Strengthen the cohesion and logical organization of your writing
Coherence Linking Words:
• Words that link ideas and show the relationships between them
• Act like "glue" that holds the parts of your writing together
• Common types include:
• Addition (furthermore, moreover, in addition)
• Contrast (however, on the other hand, nevertheless)
• Cause/Effect (therefore, consequently, as a result)
• Sequence (first, second, next, finally)
• Example (for instance, for example, specifically)
• Emphasis (indeed, in fact, obviously)
• Using appropriate linking words creates coherence and flow
• Help the reader follow your thought process and grasp connections
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Transition Signals are words or phrases that help create coherence
and guide the reader through your writing by showing connections between
ideas. Here are some key points about transition signals with examples:
• They signal the relationship between sentences and paragraphs
• For example: "Furthermore, the study revealed..."
• For instance: "In addition, researchers found that..."
• They indicate the flow and order of ideas
• For example: "First, the experiment was conducted..."
• For instance: "Finally, the results were analyzed."
• They show comparisons and contrasts
• For example: "On the other hand, previous studies suggest..."
• For instance: "In contrast, the new findings contradict..."
• They demonstrate cause and effect relationships
• For example: "Consequently, the hypothesis was rejected."
• For instance: "Therefore, further research is needed."
• They highlight emphasis or importance
• For example: "Most importantly, the implications are..."
• For instance: "Essentially, the conclusions indicate..."
• Common transition words/phrases include:
• Addition: additionally, moreover, furthermore, in addition
• Contrast: however, conversely, on the other hand, in contrast
• Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus
• Sequence: first, second, next, finally, subsequently
• Example: for example, for instance, specifically, namely
• Emphasis: essentially, most importantly, in fact, indeed
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Coherence Linking Words are words or phrases that explicitly
show the relationship between ideas in a piece of writing. They act as
bridges, guiding the reader smoothly from one idea to the next. Here are
some key points about coherence linking words with examples:
• Addition Linking Words:
• These indicate that you are adding to or continuing with a similar
idea.
• Examples: additionally, moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, as
well as, and, too, besides, equally important
• Contrast Linking Words:
• These signal you are introducing an opposing or differing view.
• Examples: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in
contrast, conversely, rather, yet, although, though, even though, while
• Cause/Effect Linking Words:
• These show causal relationships between ideas.
• Examples: because, since, as, for, due to, owing to, consequently, as
a result, therefore, thus, hence
• Sequence Linking Words:
• These indicate an order or sequence of ideas.
• Examples: first, second, next, then, finally, lastly, previously, before
that, simultaneously, concurrently
• Example Linking Words:
• These signal you are providing an example or illustration.
• Examples: for example, for instance, in this case, specifically, to
illustrate
• Emphasis Linking Words:
• These highlight or reinforce the importance of an idea.
• Examples: indeed, in fact, obviously, clearly, essentially, most
importantly
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QUESTIONS
Transition Signals:
1. What are transition signals and why are they important in writing?
2. Provide three examples of transition signals that indicate addition or continuation
of an idea.
3. Identify a transition signal that shows contrast or an opposing viewpoint. Use it in
a sentence.
4. Write a short paragraph about your morning routine, effectively using at least two
different transition signals to connect the ideas.
5. Explain the difference between transition signals that demonstrate
sequence/order versus those that show cause and effect relationships.
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ANSWERS (TRANSITION SIGNALS)
1. What are transition signals and why are they important in writing?
• Transition signals are words or phrases that act as bridges between sentences and
paragraphs.
• They guide the reader smoothly from one idea to the next by indicating the logical relationship
between ideas.
• Transition signals strengthen the coherence and organization of your writing by:
• However
Example: The experiment seemed to be going well. However, unexpected results were
observed later on.
4. Write a short paragraph about your morning routine, effectively using at least two
different transition signals to connect the ideas.
In the morning, I usually wake up around 7 AM. First, I do some light stretching exercises to get
my body active. After that, I head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Additionally, I make sure to
pack a healthy lunch for the day. Finally, I get ready and leave for college around 8:30 AM.
5. Explain the difference between transition signals that demonstrate sequence/order
versus those that show cause and effect relationships.
• Transition signals that demonstrate sequence or order indicate the progression or steps in a
process. They signal the reader about what happens first, second, next, and so on.
• Transition signals that show cause and effect relationships indicate one event or action is the
result of another event or action. They signal the reader about reasons and consequences.
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ANSWERS (COHERENCE LINKING WORDS)
1. Define coherence linking words and explain their purpose in
writing.
• Coherence linking words are words or phrases that explicitly show the
relationship between ideas in a piece of writing.
• They act as bridges, guiding the reader smoothly from one idea to the
next.
• Their purpose is to create coherence and flow by clearly indicating how
the ideas relate to one another.
• Using appropriate coherence linking words improves the overall clarity
and organization of your writing.
2. List four coherence linking words that can be used to provide
examples or illustrations.
• For example
• For instance
• Such as
• To illustrate
3. Give two examples each of coherence linking words for addition,
contrast, and cause/effect relationships.
Addition:
• Additionally
• Furthermore
Contrast:
• However
• On the other hand
Cause/Effect:
• Therefore
• As a result
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4. Rearrange the following sentences to create a coherent paragraph,
adding appropriate coherence linking words:
Good study habits are crucial for academic success. For instance, creating
a dedicated study space can improve focus. Furthermore, taking breaks
and getting enough sleep are also beneficial. In contrast, multitasking and
distractions can hinder productivity. Specifically, making a study schedule
helps with time management.
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MEMORY SHEET
1. Paraphrasing
• Restate the original text in your own words
• Keep the same meaning as the original
• Use synonyms and different word forms
• Change sentence structure and word order
• Convert quoted speech to indirect speech
• Switch between active and passive voice
• Interpret the underlying meaning
2. Summarizing
• Concise account of the main points
• Omit details, examples, data
• Identify main ideas vs. minor points
• Use synonyms and alternative phrases
• Change parts of speech (noun->verb, adj->adv)
• Aim for 30% or less of original length
3. Referencing
• Acknowledge sources to avoid plagiarism
• Demonstrate research and support arguments
• Allow readers to locate original sources
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4. In-text and End-text Referencing
In-text Citations
• Brief (author, year) or (author, year, page)
• Narrative: Author (year) states...
• Parenthetical: ...research shows (Author, year).
End-text References
• Alphabetical list of full source details
• Author, Date, Title, Source
• Italics for stand-alone works, no italics for part of whole
5. Transition Signals
• Link ideas and show logical relationships
• Addition: additionally, furthermore, moreover
• Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless
• Cause/Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
• Sequence: first, second, next, finally
• Example: for instance, specifically, namely
6. Coherence Linking Words
• Explicitly indicate relationships between ideas
• Addition: in addition, also, moreover
• Contrast: however, on the other hand, in contrast
• Cause/Effect: because, since, consequently
• Sequence: first, second, next, then
• Example: for example, such as, to illustrate
• Emphasis: indeed, in fact, essentially
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7. APA 7 Table Cheat Sheet
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