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What is paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is defined as a style where the author uses his words to explain and express the idea of someone else. The meaning is the same, but the phrasing different, and this is why it is referred to as paraphrasing.
Paraphrasing is used as an option for quoting and to give credence to your writing. It is found in journalistic sources like literary journals, documentaries, newspapers, etc. and pop culture while translating older stories, poems, and plays.
If you are looking for ways of paraphrasing then
- The first step is to read the full text carefully once or even twice to understand its meaning.
- Identify all the critical points of the original content and consider how they can be phrased
- Now put away the original text so that you can give your undivided attention to the task in hand
- While paraphrasing make sure that it is original and not merely the replacement of the words to show that you have made an attempt
- Review your work and verify whether all the significant points and information are included in the paraphrasing
- Make sure that the paraphrase style and words are yours, although it does reflect the meaning of the original content.
- It is imperative to cite the source at the need from where you have taken the idea. Use an in-text citation with (MLA, APA, etc.) formatting style for your paraphrasing
- Explain the importance of the information that is paraphrased by putting your onus on what you are trying to prove and its significance in the scheme of the things
If you are looking for paraphrasing tips then
- Look at the original text and make sure that you are writing the first sentence way different from the original one. Just change the order of crucial information completely
- Make sure to use as many synonyms as possible because at the end of the day phrases and synonyms are the same
- You can change the structure or voice of the sentence; for instance, the active voice becomes passive or vice-versa, the adverb becomes adjective, etc.
- You have your key information with you and now is the time to break it into several separate sentences
There are online tools that can help you with paraphrasing and rewriting text such as Word Ai (here is our review of WordAi).
What is summarizing?
Summarizing is defined as a style where the author expresses and explains the main idea in his words but a shorter version. It is used when the passage is too long, and it is not possible for either paraphrasing or quoting.
Summarizing is used when only the main idea of the text is crucial, and the details seem confusing and distracting
If you are looking for ways of summarizing then
- The first step is to read the full text carefully to understand its meaning.
- Identify all the critical points of the original content and highlight the ones you consider very important and relevant
- Leave out evidence, examples, etc. and make notes of only the highlighted points
- Now put away the original text and pay attention to the task at hand
- Read your notes once again
- Rewrite in your words by stating once again the main idea at the onset along with the main points in the summary.
- Include the final findings of your summary in the conclusion to give it a fitting end
- Use an in-text citation with (MLA, APA, etc.) formatting style for your paraphrasing
Similarities between paraphrasing and summarizing
The various similarities between paraphrasing and summarizing are mentioned below-
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing allow an individual to show his understanding of a text and interpret it as per his mindset and knowledge.
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing are considered some of the best and unique ways of evading plagiarism
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing helps to save time
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing are considered legitimate ways that help to borrow from a source
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing use their own words to express the meaning of a text written by another person
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing helps to clarify the message in a manner relevant to the audience
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing have to cite the source with an in-text citation with (MLA, APA, etc.) formatting style. It also has to give details related to the source in the reference list.
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing increases the understanding by explaining the concept in simple terms
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing are essential techniques for effective writing
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing provides credibility to your writing
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing can include brief quotations
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing does not change the meaning of the original passage
- Both paraphrasing and summarizing call attention to specific information that you want to put your onus on
Differences between paraphrasing and summarizing
The numerous differences between paraphrasing and summarizing are described below
| Paraphrasing | Summarizing |
|---|---|
| Paraphrasing is about keeping the meaning of the original text as it is although it does change the phrasing and words of the original text. | Summarizing is about writing a general overview of the content. |
| Paraphrasing means explaining the content or text in detail. The length after paraphrasing is nearly the same as the original passage. | Summarizing means explaining the content or text in a condensed form. The length after summarizing is much shorter than the original text. |
| Paraphrases are considered specific and precise. | Summarizing are considered selective and brief. |
| Paraphrasing is about taking a section of the text and writing it in your words. It restates the original content in a new way. | Summarizing is about taking the significant findings and ideas from a text and writing it in your words. It reports the highlighted points only. |
| Paraphrasing is a translation of a difficult passage. | Summarizing is a restatement and puts its onus on the central idea of the text. |
Conclusion
There are several similarities as well as differences in both paraphrasing and summarizing. Both concepts are used extensively and are essential enough for writers.
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