Paraphrasing and Citation Workshop

Overview of Workshop

  • Focus: Paraphrasing and citation in writing for STEM and humanities.

  • Topics Covered:

    • Definition and significance of paraphrasing

    • Techniques for effective paraphrasing

    • When to paraphrase

    • Common citation styles and formatting guidelines

    • Understanding and avoiding plagiarism

Importance of Paraphrasing

  • Purpose of Paraphrasing:

    • Demonstrates comprehension of source material.

    • Integrates facts into personal writing.

    • Transforms knowledge telling into knowledge transforming.

  • Assignment Examples:

    • Summary assignments require understanding of material.

    • Analysis papers require developing an argument from the source.

  • 3 R's of Evidence Citing:

    • Repeating: Direct quotes from sources.

    • Rephrasing: Paraphrasing in one’s own words.

    • Responding: Integrating evidence to support arguments.

Techniques for Effective Paraphrasing

  • Transition from simple repetition to deeper understanding by highlighting important information.

  • Paraphrasing should emphasize parts of the source material relevant to the main argument.

  • Use the following framework:

    • Remove unnecessary information.

    • Replace key terms with stronger synonyms.

    • Clarify implicit ideas to make them explicit.

Examples of Paraphrasing

  • Ineffective Paraphrase:

    • Original Quote: "New tracks aside... suitable for New York."

    • Ineffective Paraphrase: "Besides replacing the railroad tracks..."

    • Issues: Repeats phrases, lacks focus, does not credit the source correctly.

  • Effective Paraphrase Example:

    • Effective Paraphrase: "One of the biggest issues facing Penn Station's revitalization... should be reconstructed to better reflect..."

    • Positive Aspects: Focuses on specific elements, uses strong language, clarifies main ideas, provides contextual analysis.

Steps for Using Source Material

  1. Direct Quoting (Repeating):

    • Use quotation marks, and always provide commentary.

  2. Paraphrasing (Rephrasing):

    • Change language and emphasize main points.

  3. Responding:

    • Formulate arguments based directly on the evidence used.

Literature Review: STEM Context

  • Common Issues:

    • Info dumping where many studies are summarized without connecting to main research.

    • Lack of clarity for readers regarding how studies relate to thesis.

  • Effective Paraphrasing Example:

    • Consolidated summary of multiple studies that addresses strengths and weaknesses directly.

    • Use of meta-commentary to guide the reader through the arguments and evidence.

Common Citation Styles

  • MLA: used in literature/humanities. Format: Last name, Page number.

  • APA: used in social sciences. Format: Last name, Year.

  • IEEE: used in STEM. Format: numbered footnotes for citations.

  • Key Takeaway: Understand thought processes behind citation styles related to content area.

Plagiarism Awareness

  • Definition: Using someone else's ideas without proper credit leading to academic dishonesty.

  • Common Mistakes Leading to Plagiarism:

    • Failing to cite direct quotes or paraphrased text.

    • Copying facts or data without attribution.

    • Substituting words in a source without altering the original meaning.

  • Good Practice: Always cite sources for non-original ideas to maintain academic integrity.

Additional Resources

  • Use citation generators (e.g., EasyBib) for formatting citations.

  • Purdue OWL for writing and citation guidelines.

  • For further assistance, consider consulting a writing support service.