Any kind of writing, whether academic or popular should promote the voice of the writer. Academic writing often requires citing sources to substantiate and verify information. Quotes may be an effective way to use sources in an essay. They may in a concise and focused way illustrate a key point or argument.
Quotes can be a problem, however. On most assignments, especially in 100-level courses, students use of quotations is limited. Why not? Too often, students borrow another author's words rather than thinking through the issue themselves. It is better to use your own words and show your own mastery of the material. That means rewriting and paraphrasing your sources.
How to Paraphrase:
You need to put the words of your source into your own. Such is one of the most difficult challenges of writing.
Word choice: Never use a word that you need to look up in a dictionary. If you don't know what it means, it isn't yours. Never use more than two words in a row from the source you are working with. Use a thesaurus to find word alternatives (but, again, don't choose words you did not already know).
Flow: Restructure sentences. Find your own rhythm. Use transitions. Tie your thoughts into the overall argument. Do not let your source do it for you.
You still need citations!
Without citation, your professor might think you have committed violated academic integrity standards (click here for the helpful pamphlet, "Help Stop Plagiarism!").
Any use of another person's words or unique ideas must be properly identified and cited, even when you paraphrase it. Not to do so is plagiarism.
Citation is important because it reveals the quality of work that supports your writing. The kind of sources you use, and how you use them, enables a reader to better evaluate your arguments. A good reference should always provide enough information so that another person can readily find the source you have used.
For some further help with paraphrasing, see these websites:
"Paraphrase: Write it in Your Own Words," Purdue Online Writing Lab.
"Paraphrasing," Pearson/Prentice Hall.
"Preventing Academic Misconduct: Paraphrasing Exercise," University of California Berkeley.
"Successful vs. unsuccessful paraphrases," The Writing Center, The University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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