Paraphrasing:Academic Writing in

The Context of Research Writing

Paraphrasing
 expressing information or ideas from other sources in your own words in a
similar number of words as the source text
 NOT simply replacing words with synonyms or rearranging the structure of
sentences
 involves rephrasing a text substantially while retaining the original
meaning
 involves acknowledging the original source with proper referencing

Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from

https://
www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/paraphrasing-su
mmarising-and-quoting
 Your own rendition of essential information and ideas
expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
 One legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate
documentation) to borrow from a source.
 A more detailed restatement than a summary, which
focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing

Lab. Retrieved from https://
owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/
quoting_paraphrasing_and_summarizing/paraphrasing.html
 the manner of presenting a text by altering
certain words and phrases of a source while
ensuring that the paraphrase reflects proper
understanding of the source
Summarizing and Paraphrasing in Academic Writing.
(2019, July 22). Retrieved from
https://www.enago.com/academy/summarizing-an
d-paraphrasing-in-academic-writing
/
Importance of Paraphrasing in
Academic Writing
 it shows you understand the source well enough to write it in your own
words
 gives you a powerful alternative to using direct quotes, which should be
used infrequently
 a useful way to use source material for your research paper/essay -
providing it is appropriately referenced
 it shows you and your reader (i.e. your lecturer) that you have understood
the source sufficiently enough to write it in your own words

La Trobe University. (n.d.). Paraphrasing. Retrieved from https://

www.latrobe.edu.au/students/admin/academic-integrity/referencing-help/
paraphrasing
 useful in dealing with facts and definitions
 useful when you need to refer to a chunk of
information from one particular part of a source
(e.g. a paragraph in the introduction of a journal
article)

Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018,

February 12). Retrieved from https://
www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments
/writing/paraphrasing-summarising-and-quoting
Effective Ways of Paraphrasing
in a Research Paper
 Avoiding Plagiarism
 Use Your Own Words
 Give Credit where Due
 Don’t Overuse

How to Effectively Paraphrase in a Research Paper. (2019,

July 19). Retrieved from
https://www.enago.com/academy/how-to-paraphrase-in-a-r
esearch-paper
/
 Change the voice of the source text
 Use a thesaurus to find synonyms and related terms
 Include introductory phrases with signaling terms
  Use specific signaling verbs to show your position
 Merge multiple sentences of the source text into a one- or two-
sentence paraphrase
 Combine quotes and paraphrasing within the same sentence
 Avoiding Plagiarism

Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers (APA, AMA). (2020, February 17).
Retrieved from
https://wordvice.com/a-guide-to-paraphrasing-in-research-papers-apa-ama
/
Change the voice of the source text
Include introductory phrases with
signaling terms
Use specific signaling verbs to
show your position
 Merge multiple sentences of the source
text into a one- or two-sentence
paraphrase
 Original Source Text
The journal primarily considers empirical and theoretical investigations that enhance
understanding of cognitive, motivational, affective, and behavioral psychological
phenomena in work and organizational settings, broadly defined. Those psychological
phenomena can be at one or multiple levels — individuals, groups, organizations, or
cultures; in work settings such as business, education, training, health, service,
government, or military institutions; and in the public or private sector, for-profit or
nonprofit organizations.
(Source: Journal of Applied Psychology Website http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/apl/)
 Brief Paraphrase of Source Text
The Journal of Applied Psychology accepts studies that increase understanding of a broad
range of psychological phenomena and that apply to a variety of settings and levels, not
limited by subgroup, institution, or sector (JAP, 2015).
Combine quotes and paraphrasing within
the same sentence.
 Quote/Paraphrase Combination
The Journal of Applied Psychology accepts studies that
“enhance understanding of cognitive, motivational,
affective, and behavioral psychological phenomena” and
that apply to a variety of settings such as “business,
education, training, health, service, government, or military
institution” (JAP 2015). The studies can be set or observed
from a number of levels and are not limited to institution or
sector.
Avoiding Plagiarism
 When you paraphrase, use your own terms along with the
key terms from the source material.
 Even when you paraphrase with your own terms, you still
must provide in-text citations (according to the formatting
requirements—APA, AMA, MLA, etc.).
 If you are quoting or paraphrasing your own previous
work, treat it as another person’s work (i.e., you must
still use quotation marks and/or citations).
An Example of Plagiarized
Paraphrasing
 Plagiarized Version of Source Text
The Journal of Applied Psychology (JAP 2015) accepts empirical and theoretical
investigations that increase knowledge of motivational, affective, cognitive, and
behavioral psychological phenomena in many settings, broadly conceived.
These phenomena can be at several levels — individual, teams, or cultures; in
professional settings like business, education, training, health, government, or
military institutions; and in either public or private sector, in nonprofit or for-
profit institutions.
Some of the source text words have been changed or removed, but the
underlined terms are identical to the original; overall the meanings and even the
grammar structures have been copied. Finally, quotation marks are missing. Do
not use the same language unless you put quotation marks around the content.
Example of Multiple Attribution
Methods
 Original Source Text: “Fully grown penguins generate pressures of around 74 mm Hg to
excrete liquid material and 430 mm Hg to excrete material of higher viscosity similar to
that of oil.”
 Direct Quote: In her study of Antarctic penguin defecation habits, Brooks (1995, p.4)
wrote, “fully grown Chinstrap penguins generate pressures of around 74 mm Hg to excrete
liquid material and 430 mm Hg to excrete material of higher viscosity similar to that of
oil.”
 *Quotations around quotes; citations included; many details provided; a complete
sentence is quoted.
 Paraphrase: When studying Chinstrap penguin defecation habits, Brooks (1995,
p.4) observed that fully grown penguins generate a much higher pressure when
excreting more viscous fecal matter.
 *No quotation marks; citations included; the most important data fact is highlighted:
“Penguins use more pressure to excrete thicker poo.”
 Quote/Paraphrase Combination: When studying penguin
defecation habits, Brooks (1995, p.4) observed that fully
grown penguins vary in how they excrete waste,
generating “pressures of around 74 mm Hg to excrete
liquid material and 430 mm Hg to excrete material of
higher viscosity similar to that of oil.”
 *Quotation marks only around directly quoted
information; citations included; the most important
data fact is paraphrased; additional details provided
by direct quote.
1. The first step in paraphrasing is to read the original text and get a full grasp of it. You
may need to read the original text a few times and check the meaning of key words to
fully understand it.
2. While you are reading, think about the overall meaning of each paragraph or section -
don’t just focus on the individual words and sentences.
3. After each paragraph or section, put the reading aside and state it in your own words.
4. When you can do this, you are ready to write your paraphrase.
5. Finally, proofread, revise and edit your paraphrase as necessary.

 Hint
Don't forget to include a proper citation when paraphrasing and be careful not
to change the author’s meaning.

Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from https://
www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/paraphrasing-summarising-an
d-quoting
1. Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
2. Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
3. Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision
using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate
the subject of your paraphrase.
4. Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately
expresses all the essential information in a new form.
5. Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed
exactly from the source.
6. Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it
easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved from https://
owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_s
ummarizing/paraphrasing.html
Common Difficulties in
Paraphrasing
 Most are simply clueless about how this is done or what is it.
Although looking at a sample that can help, if you don’t know
the right way to do it, changing words into your own ones can
still be difficult.
 Some students struggle when it comes to the style and
avoiding the common mistakes where they just change the
words.
 Remade content without altering the ideas of the author is
also very challenging.

The Best Paraphrasing Examples from Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved

from
https://www.paraphrasingservice.com/paraphrasing-examples/
a. Eight Paraphrase Pitfalls
b. Plagiarism in Paraphrasing

Hayuningrum, H., & Yulia, M. F. (2012). Students’

Problems in Writing Paraphrases in Research Paper
Writing Class. Language and Language Teaching
Journal, 15(01), 133-148.
doi:10.24071/llt.2012.150101
The Causes of Problems in
Paraphrasing
a. A Low Reading Comprehension
b. Working in a Second Language
c. Dealing with Plagiarism Practice

Hayuningrum, H., & Yulia, M. F. (2012). Students’ Problems

in Writing Paraphrases in Research Paper Writing
Class. Language and Language Teaching Journal, 15(01), 133-
148. doi:10.24071/llt.2012.150101
 When to Paraphrase
• to show you understand the main ideas/arguments of the author
• to help explain difficult concepts or terminology
• to highlight original ideas that are interesting when the original language
is not as interesting
• to change emphasis of information to match your own arguments
• to provide a clear “voice” in paper that isn’t directly connected to other
works

Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers (APA, AMA). (2020, February 17).
Retrieved from https://wordvice.com/a-guide-to-paraphrasing-in-research-
papers-apa-ama/
Examples of Paraphrasing
in Academic Writing
The original passage:
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in
taking notes, and as a result they overuse
quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably
only about 10% of your final manuscript should
appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you
should strive to limit the amount of exact
transcribing of source materials while taking notes.
Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed.,
1976, pp. 46-47.
A legitimate paraphrase:
In research papers, students often quote
excessively, failing to keep quoted
material down to a desirable level.
Since the problem usually originates
during note taking, it is essential to
minimize the material recorded
verbatim (Lester 46-47).
A plagiarized version:
Students often use too many direct quotations when they
take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final
research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final
copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is
important to limit the amount of source material copied
while taking notes.

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing Lab.

Retrieved from https://
owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_par
aphrasing_and_summarizing/paraphrasing.html
 Original Source Text: “Fully grown penguins generate pressures of around 74 mm
Hg to excrete liquid material and 430 mm Hg to excrete material of higher viscosity
similar to that of oil.”
 Paraphrase: When studying Chinstrap penguin defecation habits, Brooks (1995,
p.4) observed that fully grown penguins generate a much higher pressure when
excreting more viscous fecal matter.
 Direct Quote: In her study of Antarctic penguin defecation habits, Brooks (1995,
p.4) wrote, “fully grown Chinstrap penguins generate pressures of around 74 mm
Hg to excrete liquid material and 430 mm Hg to excrete material of higher viscosity
similar to that of oil.”
 Quote/Paraphrase Combination: When studying penguin defecation habits, Brooks
(1995, p.4) observed that fully grown penguins vary in how they excrete waste,
generating “pressures of around 74 mm Hg to excrete liquid material and 430 mm
Hg to excrete material of higher viscosity similar to that of oil.”

Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers (APA, AMA). (2020, February 17). Retrieved
from https://wordvice.com/a-guide-to-paraphrasing-in-research-papers-apa-ama/
Original source:

Course design and content were critical influences on

interest. For instance, courses that students chose to do, or
that offered opportunities for choice of sub‐topics or
assessments, enabled them to follow their interests and
therefore experience that positive spiral. On the other hand,
compulsory courses and topics that did not interest the
students often led to boredom and frustration. Boredom was
consistently linked with lower behavioural and cognitive
engagement. Bored students procrastinated more, studied
less, and, importantly, found the learning more difficult.
The student’s paraphrase:
In the research study undertaken by Kahu (2014), students struggled to learn
material that did not interest them. However, they were highly motivated to
learn, and more successful, when studying topics they chose themselves. Kahu
concludes that student interest in learning is greatly influenced by the design
and content of the curriculum.

Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from

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Original text:
Because of the complexity of homelessness from a
social policy and service delivery perspective, there
are a wide range of views on what constitutes
homelessness. Definitions of homelessness are
culturally and historically contingent. They range
from limited objective measures which conflate
homelessness with rooflessness to more subjective
definitions founded on culturally and historically
determined ideas of ‘home’.
Paraphrasing
A multi-faceted concept, homelessness can be defined in a variety of
ways, most simply as the basic lack of shelter. However, our
understanding of what constitutes a ‘home’ is also informed by our
culture and history. This complexity impacts the development of
effective policy and services to address homelessness (ABS, 2012).

Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from https://mon3-
search.clients.squiz.net/s/redirect?collection=monash-main-search&url=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.monash.edu%2Frlo%2Fresearch-writing-assignments%2Fwriting%2Fparaphrasing-
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quoting&auth=lBBNpBrPaSh%2B9LKcYZzlIQ&profile=rlo&rank=1&query=paraphrasing
Original Work
Starting a business for most would-be entrepreneurs could be quite challenging.
The need to make a profit and meet a need could be the overall driving force for
which a lot of persons want to be in business. But research has shown that only
65% of young business start-ups ever make it through their first two years of
being in business. Another 25% rarely see the first five years of their business
start-ups. This puts the number of businesses that make it through the first five
years of business establishment below 45% in the United States of America. Two
key challenges confronting most start-ups as discovered include poor managerial
kill and low financial intelligence.

John, Woodpecker (2018). From Business Start-up to Innovation stage. New

Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers.
Paraphrased Sample
Reports published in Woodpecker (2018) indicate that less than 45% of young
business start-ups in the US ever make it above five years from the date of
establishment. The figure even gets worse for businesses below two years from
the date of the establishment with not more than 65% surviving the first two
years. Basically, 65% survive two years and another 25% of the 65% fall out before
five years, leaving a total of less than 45% survivor rate after five years. As much
as there is the need to be profitable young businesses suffer from the lack of
business etiquettes, particular in the area of business and financial management.

The Best Paraphrasing Examples from Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.paraphrasingservice.com/paraphrasing-examples/
Sample Original Document
When it comes to luxury transportation, there is no more recognizable option
than the limousines. Limousines (or limos) are extremely luxurious and are a
common transportation solution in instances where an everyday sedan simply
won’t do.  The term limousine is actually not a brand of car, but was coined to
describe large, luxurious vehicles with similar characteristics. Generally, limos
are large; most notably longer than the average car, making limos a popular
choice for large groups. However, it isn’t just a large party that generally calls
for this vehicle, corporate uses of limos have grown in recent years making them
a common choice for executives and businessmen alike. Although the name
limousine is a term generally connected to long white cars, there are a variety of
styles and classes of limos that fall under this category. In most cases, limousines
are rented for an evening or a short period of time.
Sample Paraphrased Document

In today’s market, no type of luxury vehicle is as recognizable as the timely and

iconic limousine. These vehicles, also often called limos, are the epitome of class
and luxury and provide transportation services when standard vehicles will not
suffice. Typically the term limo is a phrase used to describe a type or size of the
vehicle and many of the leading vehicle manufacturers create their own versions
of limousines; or large cars that offer plush interior seating options. This is what
makes limos such a popular choice for large groups and special occasions like
weddings, proms, and special events. While many associate limousine services
with special events such as these; they have also become a popular option for
business professionals looking for a luxury transportation option in situations
where they need a professional to drive them from one destination to the next
whether it’s to the airport or between meetings.
“Police:  Man breaks into Austin meat
business, naps”
Original source: “AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police have arrested a 28-year-old man
who they say broke into an Austin business, stole a couple of sausages and fell
asleep.”

Incorrect: A 28-year-old man in Austin, Texas didn’t break into a business and run,
like most criminals. Instead, he took several sausages then simply fell asleep
inside the business.
Correct: A 28 year old man in Austin, Texas didn’t break into a business and run,
like most criminals. Instead, he took several sausages then simply fell asleep
inside the business (“Police: Man breaks into Austin meat business, sleeps”).
“Police: Man fled crash to avoid
yelling girlfriend”
Original source: “VINELAND, N.J. (AP) — Police in New Jersey say a man told
officers he fled the scene of an auto accident because he ‘didn’t want to deal
with his girlfriend yelling at him.’”
Incorrect: New Jersey police state a man said he left the scene of a car accident
because he didn’t want to deal with his girlfriend yelling at him (“Police: Man
fled crash to avoid yelling girlfriend”).
Correct: A man in New Jersey seemed to think leaving the scene of a car crash
and being arrested was a better option than listening to his girlfriend yell. He
told the police he fled because he didn’t want to listen to her yell at him
(“Police: Man fled crash to avoid yelling girlfriend”).
“Plumber Caught Dancing On The
Job Has All The Fly Moves”
Original source: “The video of Topen’s dancing has racked up more than 400,000
views since it was posted on YouTube last week, and the plumber says he’s already
been approached in public for his autograph.”
Incorrect: The video has racked up more than 400,000 views since posted on
YouTube last week, and the plumber has even been approached for his autograph.
Correct: Even though the YouTube video of the dancing plumber was only posted
last week, it has already had more than 400,000 views. Topen has become an
almost instant celebrity as strangers have even asked him for autographs (“Plumber
Caught Dancing On The Job Has All The Fly Moves”).

10 Examples of Paraphrasing for a Smarter, Better Essay. (2019, April 22). Retrieved
from https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/examples-of-paraphrasing/
References:
Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from
https://www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/paraphrasing-summarising-and-qu
oting

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summa
rizing/paraphrasing.html

Summarizing and Paraphrasing in Academic Writing. (2019, July 22). Retrieved from
https://www.enago.com/academy/summarizing-and-paraphrasing-in-academic-writing/
La Trobe University. (n.d.). Paraphrasing. Retrieved from
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/admin/academic-integrity/referencing-help/paraphrasing
Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from
https://www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/paraphrasing-summarising-and-qu
oting

How to Effectively Paraphrase in a Research Paper. (2019, July 19). Retrieved from
https://www.enago.com/academy/how-to-paraphrase-in-a-research-paper/
Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers (APA, AMA). (2020, February 17). Retrieved from
https://wordvice.com/a-guide-to-paraphrasing-in-research-papers-apa-ama/
Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from
https://www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/paraphrasing-summarising-and-qu
oting

Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summa
rizing/paraphrasing.html

The Best Paraphrasing Examples from Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.paraphrasingservice.com/paraphrasing-examples/
Hayuningrum, H., & Yulia, M. F. (2012). Students’ Problems in Writing Paraphrases in Research Paper
Writing Class. Language and Language Teaching Journal, 15(01), 133-148. doi:10.24071/llt.2012.150101
Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paraphrasing // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summa
rizing/paraphrasing.html

Tips for Paraphrasing in Research Papers (APA, AMA). (2020, February 17). Retrieved from
https://wordvice.com/a-guide-to-paraphrasing-in-research-papers-apa-ama/
Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from https://mon3-
search.clients.squiz.net/s/redirect?collection=monash-main-search&url=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.monash.edu%2Frlo%2Fresearch-writing-assignments%2Fwriting%2Fparaphrasing-summarising-
and-quoting&index_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monash.edu%2Frlo%2Fresearch-writing-assignments
%2Fwriting%2Fparaphrasing-summarising-and-quoting&auth=lBBNpBrPaSh
%2B9LKcYZzlIQ&profile=rlo&rank=1&query=paraphrasing
The Best Paraphrasing Examples from Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.paraphrasingservice.com/paraphrasing-examples/
10 Examples of Paraphrasing for a Smarter, Better Essay. (2019, April 22).
Retrieved from
https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/examples-of-paraphrasing/
1. Which among the following
choices below, refers to your own
rendition of essential information
and ideas expressed by someone
else, presented in a new form?
A. Quoting
B. Citing
C. Paraphrasing
D. Summarizing
2. It involves acknowledging the
original source with proper
referencing?
A. Quoting
B. Citing
C. Paraphrasing
D. Summarizing
3. The following are TRUE about the Importance of
Paraphrasing in Academic Writing, EXCEPT
A. it shows you understand the source well enough
to write it in completely exact words
B. gives you a powerful alternative to using direct
quotes, which should be used infrequently
C. it shows you and your reader (i.e. your lecturer)
that you have understood the source sufficiently
enough to write it in your own words
D. a useful way to use source material for your
research paper/essay - providing it is appropriately
reference
 4.The following is/are Effective Ways of
Paraphrasing in a Research Paper:
i. Avoiding Plagiarism
ii. Use Your Own Words
iii. Give Credit where Due
iv. Don’t Overuse
A. I only
B. I and II
C. I, II and III
D. All of the above
5.Working in a Second Language is
one of The Causes of Problems in
Paraphrasing. Is it TRUE or FALSE?
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
C. MAYBE