Understanding how to use the information you find from previous research can be confusing. Some students rely too heavily on quotes from other sources. Often students fail to synthesize the works they've read and form their own ideas. Sometimes, students incorrectly attribute the ideas they received from reading others' work. In this section of the lesson, you will begin to develop the skills you need to avoid these mistakes.
It's important you understand the differences between quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing. These skills are essential to maintaining academic integrity in your work and mishandling them can, unfortunately, result in an accusation of plagiarism. This handout [pdf] explains the differences in meaning between quoting and paraphrasing, helps you learn how to do each, and suggests when a particular approach is appropriate. The brief two page handout may serve as a handy reminder for when and how to use these skills.
Many of you will appreciate a more in-depth look at Using Someone Else's Words: Quote, Summarize and Paraphrase Your Way to Success [pdf]. After you finish reading this document, please send your instructor an email indicating you've completed the tutorial and answering the three self-evaluation questions. Use EDL585: Quoting and Paraphrasing in the subject line.
The Using Someone Else's Words: Quote, Summarize and Paraphrase your Way to Success paper, in conjunction with your APA Publication Manual (p. 207-239 will be most useful), will help you complete the APA literature review exercise assigned this week.
Mastering this style of citation will be an essential skill as you complete your individual research paper. Visit Diana Hacker's A Writer's Reference web site for more practice. (No need to enter your instructor's email address)
Choose the green box labeled "Electronic Research Exercises" and then APA. Use Exercises 4-1, 4-2, and 4.3 on APA documentation to practice this skill on your own.
| Many thanks to the Graphics Communications classes at City College of San Francisco for making the icons used on this page and for making them publicly available. |