Paraphrase

Plagiarism Definition: The act of presenting someone else’s ideas as your own. There are two main types:

1. Word-for-word plagiarism When a researcher repeats the exact words of a source without giving the necessary credit.

2. Paraphrase plagiarism When a researcher says basically the same thing as an original source with just a few words changed.

Paraphrase Definition: restating a passage – usually shorter and simpler.

Why paraphrase? Helps you improve research skills: –encourages you to read the passage closely –allows you to practice your writing skills –prevents plagiarism

How to make a valid paraphrase 1.Preview and read closely – 3 or 4 times. Underline the key words. 2.Look up new words. 3. Rewrite each sentence. Change: 1.Specific words. 2.Sentence structure (order of words in sentence). 3.Paragraph structure (order of sentences in paragraph). 4. Give credit to the source: Author, title, publishing information, date, page number.

A Good Paraphrase Takes complex material and puts it into everyday language. Shows that you have fully understood that material you have read. Often involves a summary: reducing a text to its essential points  1/3 of the original length.

Original Passage At the start of the Great Depression, many Americans wanted to believe that the hard times would be only temporary.

Original Passage At the start of the Great Depression, many Americans wanted to believe that the hard times would be only temporary. Paraphrase or Not? At the beginning of the Great Depression, a lot of Americans wanted to think that the hard times would be only temporary.

Original Passage Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players, designed around a central click wheel — although the iPod shuffle has buttons also.

Original Passage Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players, designed around a central click wheel — although the iPod shuffle has buttons also. Paraphrase or Not? An iPod is an MP3 player lets you choose and play songs to listen to using a click wheel (or on older versions, buttons).

Original Passage He was a very silent man by custom.

Original Passage He was a very silent man by custom. Paraphrase or Not? He was usually a quiet person.

Original Passage A letter of thanks is a courteous acknowledgment of a gift or of something that was done for you.

Original Passage A letter of thanks is a courteous acknowledgment of a gift or of something that was done for you. Paraphrase or Not? A thank you note is a polite way to say thanks for a present or something nice someone did for you.

Original Passage The Big Mac satisfied my desire completely.

Original Passage The Big Mac satisfied me completely. Paraphrase or Not? I’m full after eating that McDonald’s burger.