how to paraphrase mla

How to Paraphrase MLA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paraphrasing is a skill that is essential for academic writing. However, it can be tricky to know how to do it correctly.

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is the act of expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words. Different from summarizing, which involves condensing information, paraphrasing means rewording the original text while maintaining its meaning.

Why is Paraphrasing Important?

Paraphrasing is important because it allows you to:

• Understand the material better.
• Avoid plagiarism.
• Improve your writing skills.
• Express your own ideas more clearly.

How to Paraphrase MLA

MLA (Modern Language Association) is a style of citation that is commonly used in academic writing. When you paraphrase a source using MLA style, you must:

1. Read the original text carefully.

Make sure you understand the meaning of the text before you start paraphrasing.

2. Identify the main ideas.

What are the most important points that the author is making?

3. Put the main ideas into your own words.

Don’t just copy the author’s words. Use your own vocabulary and sentence structure.

4. Cite the source.

This is important to avoid plagiarism (using someone else’s work as your own).

Step-by-Step Guide to Paraphrasing

Here is a step-by-step guide to paraphrasing MLA:

1. Read the Original Text Carefully

The first step is to read the original text carefully. Make sure you understand the meaning of the text before you start paraphrasing.

2. Identify the Main Ideas

Once you understand the meaning of the text, identify the main ideas. What are the most important points that the author is making?

3. Write a Rough Draft

Write a rough draft of your paraphrase. Don’t worry about making it perfect at this point. Just get your ideas down on paper.

Example:

"The author argues that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment."

Paraphrased:

"The author says that the death penalty is cruel and should not be used."

4. Revise and Edit

Once you have a rough draft, revise and edit it. Make sure that your paraphrase is clear, concise, and accurate.

5. Cite the Source

Finally, cite the source of your paraphrase. This is important to avoid plagiarism.

Tips for Paraphrasing

Here are a few tips to help you paraphrase effectively:

• Use your own vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Don’t just copy the author’s words.
• Make sure your paraphrase is clear, concise, and accurate.
• Cite the source of your paraphrase.
• Change the sentence structure.
• Use synonyms.
• Change the voice.
• Use different parts of speech.

Comparison Table: MLA Paraphrasing vs. Other Styles

| Feature | MLA | Chicago | APA |
|—|—|—|—|
| Parenthetical citations | Author-page number | Author-date | Author-year |
| Reference list | Works Cited | Bibliography | References |
| Formatting | Double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins | Double-spaced, 10-point font, 1-inch margins | Double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins |

Conclusion

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill that can help you succeed in your academic writing.

Check Out Other Articles

• How to Write a Research Paper
• How to Cite Sources
• How to Avoid Plagiarism

FAQ about Paraphrasing in MLA

What is paraphrasing?

• Paraphrasing is presenting someone else’s ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.

What are the P-A-S guidelines?

• Paraphrase: Put the original text into your own words.
• Attribute: Cite the source of the original text.
• Summarize: Condense the main points of the original text.

How do I paraphrase a short sentence?

• Read the sentence and understand its meaning.
• Use your own words to express the same idea.
• Cite the source at the end of the paraphrased sentence.

How do I paraphrase a long passage?

• Break the passage into smaller chunks.
• Paraphrase each chunk using the P-A-S guidelines.
• Combine the paraphrased chunks into a coherent summary.

How do I avoid plagiarism?

• Always cite the source of any ideas or information you borrow.
• Use quotation marks for any direct quotes.
• Paraphrase the original text in your own words.

What are some tips for effective paraphrasing?

• Use a different sentence structure and vocabulary than the original text.
• Simplify complex terms and concepts.
• Focus on the main points of the original text.

How do I paraphrase in MLA format?

• Include a parenthetical citation after the paraphrased text.
• The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number of the original source.
• For example: (Smith 12).

What are some common mistakes to avoid when paraphrasing?

• Changing only a few words from the original text.
• Using synonyms that do not accurately convey the original meaning.
• Summarizing the original text without providing a citation.

Can I paraphrase images or other non-textual sources?

• Yes, but you must describe the image or source and cite its source.
• For example: "The painting by Vincent van Gogh titled ‘Starry Night’ (1889) depicts a swirling night sky over a small village."