This article explains how writers can paraphrase properly without accidentally committing plagiarism. This skill takes some practice, but can be accomplished by using your own words even when describing someone else's ideas. As you read, think about the best ways to integrate source material into your own writing. How will you use your sources appropriately in your essay?
When paraphrasing, a writer uses his or her own words to restate someone else's ideas. Paraphrasing does not mean simply changing a few of the original words, rearranging the structure of the sentence, or replacing some words with synonyms. A paraphrase should explain a borrowed idea in the writer's own voice but must also remain true to the message of the original text.
Direct quote: "[The new laws] would also help ensure that companies like BP that are responsible for oil spills are the ones that pay for the harm caused by these oil spills, not the taxpayers. This is in addition to the low-interest loans that we've made available to small businesses that are suffering financial losses from the spill" (Obama). [1]
Paraphrase: According to the President, the proposed legislation would hold oil companies accountable for damages caused by oil spills and provide affordable loans to businesses whose profits have been affected by such incidents (Obama).
[1] Obama, Barack. "Remarks on the Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico". The White House. Washington, D.C. 14 May 2010. Address. Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
Source: Writing Commons, https://writingcommons.org/collaborate/common-comments/evidence/paraphrasing/629-use-solely-your-own-words-to-paraphrase
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