Most writers choose paraphrasing when the text in a source makes a really good and useful point, but it is written in a very different style from their own. Restating ideas in your own words helps you include source information in your report without breaking the flow of your writing. When you paraphrase a passage from a source, your version should be about the same length as the original text. You should include details as well as the main ideas--just be sure to state them differently.
Suppose, for example, that a source says this about a historical event: The storm quickly intensified, creating numerous instances of cloud-to-ground lightning, hail in excess of 1-inch diameter, and straight-line winds exceeding 50 mph. To keep the words and text more in line with what you have written, you might paraphrase the statement this way:
The storm got worse very quickly, creating dangerous lightning, large hail, and strong winds.
The paraphrased text is nearly the same length as the source's version, and the paraphrasing says the same thing--but in a language and style that is less technical than what appeared in the source.
See if you can identify the best way to paraphrase each of the paragraphs in the passage below.
Which answer paraphrases the first paragraph?
- Cats can carry a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which can harm a fetus if its mother is exposed to it. In the past, scientists did not believe that the parasite was usually harmful to people once they have been born.
- Cats can carry a dangerous parasite.
Paraphrasing repeats all of the ideas in the original passage, but in the researcher's own words.
Paraphrasing repeats all of the ideas in the original passage, but in the researcher's own words.
Which answer best paraphrases the second paragraph?
- The parasite can make mice less afraid of cats. It can also change the way people think and behave, affecting men differently from women. While men infected by the virus exhibit less socially positive behaviors, women with the virus tend to behave in more socially acceptable, agreeable ways.
- Like mice, humans who become infected with the parasite tend to experience personality changes.
When you paraphrase a passage, you include all of the passage's ideas and examples.
When you paraphrase a passage, you include all of the passage's ideas and examples.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
Many cats are infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause damage to a fetus if a pregnant woman is exposed through a cat's litterbox or through the soil. Scientists have believed that the parasite is not generally harmful to children or adults.
However, new studies are revealing that the parasite may actually affect people in unexpected ways. It has already been shown that T. gondii can affect mice and cause them to be attracted to the smell of cat urine. Now, researchers believe that the parasite may affect humans' brains and personalities as well. Men infected with the parasite may become more introverted, suspicious, and prone to risk-taking behaviors. Infected women, on the other hand, may become extroverted, trusting, and prone to follow rules.
