Is it better to summarize or paraphrase?

When should I paraphrase, and when should I summarize? To paraphrase means to restate someone else’s ideas in your own language at roughly the same level of detail. To summarize means to reduce the most essential points of someone else’s work into a shorter form.

Can you paraphrase in MLA?

MLA Citation (8th Edition): Paraphrasing When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion. Include a full in-text citation with the author name and page number (if there is one).

What is a summary in MLA?

A summary includes only the main points and/or ideas in a longer passage or entire work. Paraphrasing is often used because it is easier to integrate into the text of a paper. Remember though, you must still cite your source using author name and page number: Author Incorporated into Text.

How do you write a summary in MLA format?

Tips on Summarizing

1. Use your own words.
2. Include the key relevant elements of the original and keep it brief – you’re just going for the original’s essence.
3. Do not include your interpretation/analysis within the summary – make a clear distinction between your thoughts and someone else’s.

When to paraphrase and when to summarize?

Paraphrased material must also be attributed to the source A paraphrase is usually shorter than the original passage SUMMARIZING Involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main points Summaries must also be attributed to the source

Which is the best example of paraphrasing in MLA?

Here is the full citation for the above example: Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. 1813. Project Gutenberg, 2008. www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42671. When you paraphrase, do not do the follow:

What’s the difference between a paraphrase and a quote?

Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly.

Why is paraphrasing important in a research paper?

Paraphrasing in MLA. Paraphrasing is a valuable skill. It allows you to seamlessly integrate another person’s ideas into your work and it is the preferred way to integrate most research information into a paper. In addition to writing a good paraphrase, you must also include a citation with the paraphrase.