Much of the work you produce at university will involve the important ideas, writings and discoveries of experts in your field of study. Quoting, paraphrasing and summarising are all different ways of including the works of others in your assignments. Paraphrasing and summarising allow you to develop and demonstrate your understanding and interpretation of the major ideas/concepts of your discipline, and to avoid plagiarism. Paraphrasing and summarising require analytical and writing skills which are crucial to success at university. What are the differences?Paraphrasing:
Summarising:
Quotations
A quotation is an exact reproduction of spoken or written words. Quotes can provide strong evidence, act as an authoritative voice, or support a writer's statements. For example: Bell and Bell (1993) point out in their study of Australian-American cultural relations: "culture is never simply imposed 'from above' but is negotiated through existing patterns and traditions." (Bell & Bell 1993, p. 9) Use a quote:
How to quoteQuoting should be done sparingly and support your own work, not replace it. For example, make a point in your own words, then support it with an authoritative quote.
Paraphrasing is a way of using different words and phrasing to present the same ideas. Paraphrasing is used with short sections of text, such as phrases and sentences. A paraphrase offers an alternative to using direct quotations and allows you to integrate evidence/source material into assignments. Paraphrasing can also be used for note-taking and explaining information in tables, charts and diagrams. When to paraphraseParaphrase short sections of work only i.e. a sentence or two or a short paragraph:
How to paraphrase
A summary is an overview of a text. The main aim of summarising is to reduce or condense a text to its most important ideas. Leave out details, examples and formalities. Summarising is a useful skill for making notes, writing an abstract/synopsis, and incorporating material in assignments. When to summariseSummarise long sections of work, like a long paragraph, page or chapter.
How to summariseThe amount of detail you include in a summary will vary according to the length of the original text, how much information you need, and how selective you are.
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