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, such as plagiarism.
What are the differences between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing and when should you use each technique in your writing?
| Quoting | Paraphrasing | Summarizing | |
| What is it | Copying directly from a source, word-for-word, using quotation marks around the entire quote. | Using your own words to fully describe ideas from a source. | Using your own words to convey only the key points or main arguments of a source. |
| When to use it |
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! |
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. |
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? | Yes. Direct quotes always require attribution through an in-text citation or footnote (depending on the citation style you use). | Yes. Because you are borrowing the ideas of others, paraphrases require attribution through an in-text citation or footnote. | 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. |
Deciding when to quote, paraphrase, or summarize is ultimately up to you as a writer. However, good academic writing generally uses a combination of the three. Review the following examples to see which situations might be best for each writing technique.
Paraphrasing is when you use your own words to describe the words and ideas of others. Learning to paraphrase successfully is an important component in academic writing. This paraphrasing tutorial will take you through scenarios that will demonstrate good paraphrasing techniques.