How to Paraphrase an In-text Citation?

Paraphrasing an In-text Citation

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paraphrase an in-text citation:

Step 1: Read the original source carefully

Before you can paraphrase an in-text citation,

• The first time it’s crucial to fully understand the meaning of the original text.
• Read the source carefully and take note of the main points and ideas.

Step 2: Identify the key points

Once you’ve read the original source,

• Identify the key points and ideas you want to use in your writing.
• Highlight or underline these points to make them easier to identify later.

Step 3: Put the original source aside

Once you’ve identified the key points you want to use,

• Put the original source aside.
• This will help you to avoid copying the original wording and will encourage you to use your own words.

Step 4: Rewrite the key points in your own words

• Using the key points you’ve identified, rewrite them in your own words.
• Make sure to use synonyms and alternate phrasing to convey the same meaning.
• You can also change the sentence structure to help make it more unique.

Step 5: Compare your paraphrase to the original source

Once you’ve finished paraphrasing,

• Compare your work to the original source.
• Make sure that you haven’t accidentally copied any of the original wording and that the meaning is still the same.

Step 6: Cite the source correctly

• After paraphrasing the in-text citation, it’s essential to give credit to the original author.
• Make sure to cite the source correctly according to the citation style you’re using.

Step 7: Check for plagiarism

Before submitting your work,

• Check for plagiarism to ensure that you haven’t inadvertently copied any of the original wording.
• There are numerous online tools available to help you check for plagiarism, including Grammarly and Turnitin.
• You should provide enough words to make it clear which work you’re referring to from your Works Cited list and reference list.

Step 8: Revise and refine your paraphrase

• Finally, revise and refine your paraphrase as needed.
• Make sure that it flows well and is easy to understand. If necessary, ask a friend or colleague to read it over and give feedback.

What is the Format of In-text Citations?

When paraphrasing an in-text citation format, it is important to use proper formatting and citation methods to give credit to the original author. Here are some key elements to include:

1. Author’s last name: The name of the author of the original source should be in the in-text citation.
2. Year of publication: The publishment year of the original source should also be in the in-text citation.
3. Page numbers: If you are paraphrasing a specific section of the original source, it is important to include the page numbers where that section can be found.
4. Quotation marks: If you are directly quoting a section of the original source, you should use quotation marks around the quoted text to indicate that it is not your original words.

Here is an example of an in-text citation for a paraphrase, using the American Psychological Association APA citation style :

According to Smith (2015), the importance of paraphrasing in academic writing cannot be overstated. She explains that paraphrasing allows writers to use the ideas of others while still demonstrating their own understanding of the material (p. 23).

In this APA style, the author’s name (Smith), the year of publication (2015), and the page number where the information can be found (p. 23) are all included in the citation. No quotation marks are necessary since this is a parenthetical citation, not a direct quote.

Why Paraphrase In-text Citation?

Paraphrasing in-text citations is important for several reasons:

1. Avoiding plagiarism: When you use someone else’s words or ideas in your writing without giving them proper credit, it is plagiarism. Paraphrasing allows you to use the ideas and research of others while still giving credit to the original author.
2. Demonstrating understanding: Paraphrasing requires you to fully understand the meaning and purpose of the original text. By putting it into your own words, you are showing that you have a clear understanding of the material.
3. Integrating sources: Paraphrasing allows you to integrate outside sources into your own writing. This can help to support your arguments and ideas and provide evidence to back up your claims.
4. Meeting academic standards: In academic writing, it is important to cite sources correctly and accurately. Paraphrasing allows you to meet these standards and demonstrate your academic integrity.

Block quotations in APA 7 refer to direct quotations that are 40 or more words in length, and they are typically indented from the left margin by 0.5 inches. To introduce a block quotation, you can use a signal phrase or parentheses, depending on the context. Here are some typical guidelines for using block quotations in the 7th edition:

• Length: Block quotations are used for direct quotations that are 40 words or more in length.
• Indentation: Block quotations should be indented from the left margin by 0.5 inches.
• Punctuation: Place the period, comma, or semi-colon after the parenthetical citation or the paraphrased information.
• Citation: The citation for a block quotation includes the author’s last name, multiple authors, the year of publication, and the paragraph number where the information can be found (if available).
• Signal phrase: A signal phrase can be used to introduce a block quotation by using the author’s name and the year of publication.
• New paragraph: If you need to continue the long quotation in a new paragraph, indent the first word of the new paragraph by 0.5 inches.

Here’s an example of a block quotation:

Paraphrased information (Author, Year, p. 2).

• In MLA style, block quotations are used for direct quotations that are four or more lines in length. The block quotation should be indented one inch from the left margin, and the entire quotation should be double-spaced.
• Like APA 7, the citation for a block quotation in MLA citation includes the author’s last name and the page number. In addition, if the block quotation spans multiple paragraphs, each paragraph should be indented one inch from the left margin.