Quoting and Paraphrasing What is the difference between quoting and paraphrasing? When you quote, you put a writer’s exact words in your paper. Each time you quote, you must acknowledge that you have done so by putting the writer’s words in quotation marks and by following the quotation with a citation. When you paraphrase, you rephrase a writer’s ideas in your own words and put them in your paper. A paraphrase should capture the meaning of what a writer said but shouldn’t use his/her language or sentence structure. As with quotations, paraphrases are followed by citations. Quotation: In his memoir I Never did It, George Washington remarked, “I did not chop down that cherry tree” (45). Paraphrase: George Washington denied responsibility for the axed cherry tree. (45) What about summarizing? Summarizing is when you provide an overview of a text’s main points in your own words. It is similar to paraphrasing but is larger in scope. Instead of only focusing on a section of text, you focus on an entire chapter, essay, or book. When should I quote and when should I paraphrase? Your own ideas are the most important part of your paper. Thus, you should only use quotes or paraphrases when they directly relate (and can be used to support) the ideas that you are want to communicate. Your voice—and not voices from other texts--should dominate your paper. Thus paraphrase is often a good tool to use because it allows you to use your own words when sharing others’ ideas. Used sparingly, quotations can also be a highly effective tool. However, when you use too many quotes, you dull the effect that they can have on the reader. Therefore, quotations should be used strategically and selectively. Use a quotation when: • the writer is an expert, and quoting him/her is a means to establishing your authority. • the writer’s words are particularly powerful or well-stated. • the particular statement made by the writer is something you want to analyze. How do I include a quote in my paper? The first rule to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t “dump” quotes into your paper. You should prepare the reader for each quote by setting it up. • First, introduce the topic or point that the quote will address. In general, quotes (and paraphrases) should be used to support points that you are trying to make rather than as your main points themselves. Thus, you’ll want to introduce your own idea before you integrate the quote into your writing.
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Second, assign the quote a tag. A tag is a phrase you attach to a quote that tells who is speaking (he explained; she said). Tags can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a quote. Third, quote from and cite your source correctly. Refer to the appropriate style guide from your discipline in order to learn how to treat citations, how to format block quotes, and/or what to do when you want to leave words out of a quotation. Fourth, follow up the quote with explanation, analysis, or elaboration. Do not assume that your readers understand why you included the quote in your paper. Instead, help them pull the same meaning from it that you do and recognize how it fits with your ideas.
Setting up a Quote Example: The training that writing center tutors receive at the beginning of each semester is an important first step toward excellent tutoring. However, additional training for writing center tutors is also necessary. As Evelyn Posey asserts, “Some form of continuous training in tutoring and writing is essential as a supplement to the usual orientation sessions and handbooks that are typical of most tutor-training programs” (331). “Continuous training” opportunities would enable tutors to work on their tutoring on an ongoing basis, rather than only at the beginning of the semester. Additionally, it would remind tutors of skills they learned at tutor orientation. Commentary: The training that writing center tutors receive at the beginning of each semester is an important first step toward excellent tutoring. However, additional training for writing center tutors is also necessary. [Here, I’m setting up the quote by introducing my point first.] As Evelyn Posey asserts, “Some form of continuous training in tutoring and writing is essential as a supplement to the usual orientation sessions and handbooks that are typical of most tutortraining programs” (331). [The phrase As Evelyn Posey asserts is my tag. Note that I put a comma between the tag and the quotation. I also cite my source at the end of the quotation according to the rules outlined in the MLA handbook.] “Continuous training” opportunities would enable tutors to work on their tutoring on an ongoing basis, rather than only at the beginning of the semester. Additionally, it would remind tutors of skills they learned at tutor orientation. [Here, I follow up the quote with commentary, elaborating on the point that I am trying to get across.] Examples of tags in various locations: Evelyn Posey asserts, “Some form of continuous training in tutoring and writing is essential as a supplement to the usual orientation sessions and handbooks that are typical of most tutor-training programs” (331). “Some form of continuous training in tutoring and writing,” writes Evelyn Posey, “is essential as a supplement to the usual orientation sessions and handbooks that are typical of most tutortraining programs” (331).
“Some form of continuous training in tutoring and writing is essential as a supplement to the usual orientation sessions and handbooks that are typical of most tutor-training programs,” Posey observes (331). A List of Verbs that You Might Use in a Tag (from the Writer’s Harbrace Handbook, Brief 2nd ed.) acknowledge admit advise agree analyze argue assert believe claim comment concede conclude confirm consider criticize describe disagree discuss dispute emphasize explain express find illustrate interpret maintain note observe oppose point out refute remark report respond show speculate state suggest think write