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Quotation and Paraphrasing

Nick Carroll-Anderson

Yanjun Li

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Definition

  • Quotation - "something that is quoted; a passage quoted from a book, speech, etc."
  • Paraphrasing - "a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form, as for clearness; rewording. "

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Definitions from http://dictionary.reference.com/

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When to Directly Quote

  • Quotation should be used when:
    • The quote is short in length
    • The quote is very formal (mathematical equation, a law, scientific formula, etc.)
    • Using necessary dialogue
    • Highlight the bias of a speaker

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When to Paraphrase

  • Paraphrasing should be used when:
    • The quote is too long for the situation
    • Using too much quotation in writing.
    • Unneeded Factual data.
  • Paraphrase allows reader to trust the writer.
  • Paraphrase shows the writer’s careful observation.
  • Paraphrase also gives more details and information than summary.

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Example

  • Quote: “The new model of computer will include many features. The new display will allow for much clearer pictures. Also the new processor will increase speeds of up to 25%.”
  • Paraphrase: The new model will include a new display and a new processor.

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Editing a Quote to Increase Clarity

  • Brackets [] are used to add words that reader/listener would not be able to deduce alone
    • Ex: “And [he] ran to catch it [taxi]”
  • Ellipses … are used to emit parts of a quote to avoid unnecessary pieces of a quote
    • -Ex: “The man prepared for work … when he arrived he remembered what he had forgotten”

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How to Present a Quote or Paraphrase

  • Both quotes and paraphrases should be surrounded by quotation marks “” and be followed by work cited reference
  • Three paraphrasing rules:
    1. It allows to use common terms which is author’s name or topic of article (No need to quote)
    2. If writer brings any key words, it must be quoted
    3. We must box in the source by introducing source first and then citing at the end

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How to Avoid Plagiarism

  • Make sure to cite sources
  • Include a citing reference at the end of quotation
  • Use correct citation style for the quote

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Work Cited

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