Embedding a paraphrase involves smoothly integrating information from a source, restated in your own words, into your writing while giving proper credit to the original author. Unlike quoting, paraphrasing does not use quotation marks, but it still requires careful integration into your text and correct citation.
Paraphrasing demonstrates your understanding of the source material and allows you to incorporate others' ideas to support your arguments without relying solely on direct quotations.
Understanding Paraphrasing vs. Quoting
Before diving into embedding, it's crucial to understand the difference between paraphrasing and quoting.
- Quoting: Using the exact words of a source, enclosed in quotation marks, and citing the source.
- Paraphrasing: Restating the ideas or information from a source in your own words and sentence structure, without using quotation marks, and citing the source.
While the reference provided discusses embedding quotations by introducing them with full sentences, lead-ins, or integrating them into your own sentences, the principle of introducing source material to make it flow smoothly into your writing also applies to paraphrasing.
Techniques for Embedding Paraphrases
Effectively embedding a paraphrase means weaving the source's ideas into your own sentences naturally. Here are common techniques:
- Introduce the Source or Author: Begin by mentioning the author or source before presenting the paraphrased information. This is similar to one method described in the reference for introducing quotations ("You can use a lead-in naming the author or character, followed by a comma").
- Example: According to Smith (2023), the new policy significantly impacted student enrollment numbers.
- Integrate the Paraphrased Idea into Your Sentence: Weave the paraphrased information directly into one of your own sentences, ensuring the structure and wording are entirely yours.
- Example: The new policy led to a considerable decrease in student enrollment numbers, as reported by Smith (2023).
- Combine Introduction and Idea: Start with an introductory phrase naming the source, then present the paraphrased idea, followed immediately by the citation.
- Example: In his recent study, Johnson (2022) argues that climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted.
These methods help to clearly signal to the reader that the following information comes from an external source, even though it's in your words.
Why Smooth Integration Matters
Just as with embedding quotations, smoothly integrating paraphrased material is vital for:
- Clarity: It makes your writing flow logically and helps the reader follow the progression of ideas.
- Credibility: It shows you have consulted relevant sources and are building upon existing knowledge.
- Avoiding Patchwriting: Simply changing a few words in the original source is not paraphrasing; it's a form of plagiarism known as patchwriting. Embedding techniques encourage you to fully process the information and restate it in your unique voice.
Essential: Citing Paraphrases
Regardless of how you embed a paraphrase, you must always cite the original source. Failure to do so is plagiarism.
The required citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) will dictate the specific format, but generally, it includes:
- In-text citation: Typically includes the author's last name and publication year (APA) or page number (MLA) immediately following the paraphrased information or at the end of the sentence containing it.
- Example (APA): Students felt more engaged with the material after the change (Jones, 2021).
- Example (MLA): Students felt more engaged with the material after the change (Jones 45).
- Full citation in your bibliography or works cited list: Provides complete details for the source.
Integrating Citations with Embeddings
You can place the in-text citation:
- After the paraphrased statement: The study indicated a strong correlation between exercise and improved mood (Roberts, 2020).
- Within the introductory phrase: According to Roberts (2020), there was a strong link between exercise and improved mood.
Choose the placement that best fits your sentence structure and flow.
Embedding Paraphrases vs. Quoting Techniques from Reference
The provided reference outlines ways to embed quotations. While you don't use quotation marks for paraphrases, the underlying principle of introducing and integrating source material applies.
| Embedding Technique | Applying to Quotations (as per reference) | Applying to Paraphrases |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-in Naming Author/Character | Use lead-in, followed by comma and the quotation. | Use lead-in, followed by comma, and your paraphrased statement. |
| Full Sentence Introduction | Use a full sentence, followed by a colon and the quotation. | Not directly applicable; paraphrases don't use colons like this. |
| Begin with Your Words, Complete with Source | Start sentence with your words, end with quoted words. | Start sentence with your words, integrate paraphrased idea (in your words) into it. |
As seen in the table, the technique of using a lead-in to introduce the source is adaptable for both quoting and paraphrasing to signal the origin of the information effectively.
Practical Steps for Embedding Paraphrases
- Read and Understand: Read the source material thoroughly until you fully grasp its meaning.
- Set Aside the Source: Put the original text away to avoid accidentally using its wording or sentence structure.
- Write in Your Own Words: Restate the idea or information in your own vocabulary and sentence structure.
- Introduce and Integrate: Write the sentence(s) in your paper where you want to include the paraphrased idea, using one of the embedding techniques discussed above (e.g., introducing the author, integrating into your own sentence).
- Add Citation: Immediately follow the paraphrased information or the sentence containing it with the correct in-text citation.
- Review and Refine: Read your sentence aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and clearly attributes the idea to the source while being entirely in your words. Check against the original source only to verify accuracy, not to copy wording.
By following these steps and using appropriate embedding techniques, you can successfully integrate paraphrased information into your writing, strengthening your arguments and giving proper credit to your sources.
