Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Start with the approaches

The mind map Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing brings the approaches together. Start there for an overview of ways to include another author’s ideas in an assignment. It describes quoting as repeating an author’s work and suggests using a quote when the author’s words convey a powerful meaning.

As you look through the map, consider how each approach might serve your own writing. Then move to a resource focused on the approach you want to practice.

Work through paraphrasing

How to Paraphrase sets out steps for effective paraphrasing and raises the issue of presenting another person’s words or ideas without attribution. Another listed mind map, Paraphrasing, suggests noting bibliographic information and asking what the author is trying to explain.

Use the maps alongside a passage you are studying. First, make sure you understand its meaning. Then try writing the idea in your own words and compare it with the source. The page also lists a mind map on academic writing that describes changing the wording and structure without changing the meaning.

Move on to summaries

The mind map on how to sum up suggests reading and rereading, working one sentence at a time, and writing a thesis statement. The Summary flowchart describes a summary as a record based on careful observation of a source. Use these resources to plan a summary after you have read the source closely.

This topic is one section of Academic Writing in Research methods and academic skills. The resources give you ways to practice including other people’s ideas in your writing. There are no quizzes on this page, so use the mind maps and flowcharts to guide your own practice instead. Choose a resource and try its approach with a source you are studying.