To paraphrase, follow the steps below:
To avoid plagiarizing, you must change both the sentence structure and the words of the original text.
Used with permission from Emily Dust Nimsakont.
Paraphrasing Example 1.
Original Text
If the existence of a signing ape was unsettling for linguists, it was also startling news for animal behaviorists (Davis 26).
Unacceptable Borrowing of Phrases
Davis observed that the existence of a signing ape unsettled linguists and startled animal behaviorists (26).
Unacceptable Borrowing of Structure
Davis
observed that if the presence of a sign-language-using chimp was
disturbing for scientists studying language, it was also surprising to
scientists studying animal behavior (26).
Acceptable Paraphrase
Davis observed
both linguists and animal behaviorists were taken by surprise upon
learning of an ape’s ability to use sign language (26).
Paraphrasing Example 2.
Original Text
The automotive industry
has not shown good judgment in designing automotive features that
distract drivers. A classic example is the use of a touch-sensitive
screen to replace al the controls for radios, tape/CD players, and
heating/cooling. Although an interesting technology, such devices
require that the driver take his eyes off the road.
- Tom Magliozzi and Ray Magliozzi, Letter to a Massachusetts state senator, p.3
Unacceptable Borrowing
Radio show hosts
Tom and Ray Magliozzi argue that the automotive industry has not
demonstrated good judgment in devising car features that distract
drivers. One feature is a touch-sensitive screen that replaced controls
for radios, tape/CD players, and heating/cooling. Although the
technology is interesting, such devices require that a driver look away
from the road (3).
Acceptable Paraphrase
Radio show hosts
Tom and Ray Magliozzi claim that motor vehicle manufacturers do not
always design features with safety in mind. For example, when designers
replaced radio, CD player, and temperature control knobs with
touch-sensitive panels, they were forgetting one thing: To use the
panels, drivers would need to take their eyes off the road (3).
Examples taken from, Hacker, Diana. Rules for Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Beford/St. Martin’s, 2004.
