Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Strategies

Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing are all common techniques used in academic writing. This section will discuss each of these techniques and how to incorporate them effectively into your writing to help avoid academic misconduct pitfalls, such as plagiarism.

When to Quote, Paraphrase, and Summarize

This matrix will highlight the differences between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing and when you should use the techniques in your writing.

What it is

Quoting

Copying directly from a source, word-for-word, using quotation marks around the entire quote.

Paraphrasing

Using your own words to fully describe ideas from a source.

Summarizing

Using your own words to convey only the key points or main arguments of a source.

When to use it

Quoting

Sparingly!

Only use direct quotes when a paraphrase would not convey the message or meaning of the text.

Is there no way you could say it more efficiently (or better)? Then use a quote!

Paraphrasing

Most of the time

It is helpful when you want to explain multiple ideas from a particular source.

By paraphrasing other authors’ words, you can convey points and ideas efficiently, using your own voice.

Summarizing

Frequently

Use summary to outline or condense important points made in a source.

Is there an overarching theme or idea that you can sum up in a sentence or two? Summary is a good choice.

In-text citation needed?

Quoting

Yes. Direct quotes always require attribution through an in-text citation or footnote (depending on the citation style you use).

Paraphrasing

Yes. Because you are borrowing the ideas of others, paraphrases require attribution through an in-text citation or a footnote.

Summarizing

Yes. Although you are using your own words, you are summarizing the ideas of others, so summaries require attribution through an in-text citation or a footnote.

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing

Activity: How to Paraphrase Tutorial

Select Begin to access the activity (we recommend using a desktop/laptop computer to view the tutorial instead of a mobile device).

Quick Check

True or False: Quoting should be used sparingly in your writing.

True: Correct! Quoting sources too frequently diminishes your voice in your writing. Paraphrasing and summarizing text from sources helps you indicate your understanding of the material while also expressing your own voice as a writer.
False: Actually, this is true. You want to avoid quoting too frequently because it diminishes your voice in your writing. Paraphrasing and summarizing are better options for indicating your understanding of the material while also expressing your own voice as a writer.

Check Answer