Using Paraphrases, Quotes, and Parenthetical References



Using Paraphrases, Quotes, and Parenthetical References

In any piece of writing, you may use another person’s words, phrases, thoughts, or arguments, but you must acknowledge the source. If you don’t, it’s called PLAGIARISM! The literal definition of “plagiarism” is “to take (ideas, writings, etc.) from (another) and pass them off as one’s own” (Webster’s 732). Paraphrasing and quoting are also effective ways to help prove your thesis. These persuasive writing techniques give you the power to rewrite and quote specific passages that YOU want the reader to know.

We will use one paragraph from a source to demonstrate the various ways you can cite someone else’s work. The following is an excerpt from a Rolling Stone magazine article by Chris Heath about professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. A single source listed in a bibliography is called a bibliographical entry. This is a bibliographical entry for the Rolling Stone article (see Works Cited handout for more information):

Heath, Chris. “Stone Cold Steve Austin.” Rolling Stone 75, November 22, 1997: 123+.

This is the excerpt:

The man who would become Stone Cold Steve Austin was born in 1965, the second of three children in Austin, Texas. (That his birthplace and stage name are the same is only a coincidence.) He was born Steve Anderson, but his biological father disappeared before Austin was old enough to know him, and he was raised in South Texas by his mother, who sometimes worked as a telephone operator, and her new husband, who sold insurance. It is his stepfather whom he always refers to as his father and whose surname – Williams – Austin uses when he writes out a check. Now he mostly uses the name Steve Austin in his everyday life. This is how he separates it: Steve Austin earns the money and lives the life; Steve Williams pays the bills (Heath 123).

Parenthetical references (or in-text citations)

Notice that entire paragraph, because it is over three sentences, is indented. At the end of the sentence is a name and page number in parentheses. This is a reference to the bibliography; it tells the reader to check the bibliography for complete information about the source. Because the information is contained within parentheses, it is called a “parenthetical reference” or “citation.” A parenthetical reference usually contains the author’s last name or the first word in a bibliographical entry, followed (without a comma) by the page number on which the information is found. See your “Works Cited Page” handout for more specific information. In this case, the citation after the excerpt tells us that the author’s name is Heath, and that the excerpt is found on Page 123 of his work, which is listed in the bibliography. Notice, also, that the parenthetical reference is a part of the sentence preceding it; the punctuation for the sentence (a period) comes AFTER the parenthetical reference.

Paraphrasing

To paraphrase means “a rewording of the meaning expressed in something spoken or written” (Webster’s 694). To paraphrase a source, you rewrite it in your own words and give credit to the author whose work you are using. Example:

Stone Cold Steve Austin was born in 1965. He was raised in South Texas by his mother and stepfather. He took his stepfather’s last name, Williams, and considers him his real father. Austin’s birth father disappeared while he was still a child (Heath 123).

By paraphrasing and using a parenthetical citation, you give credit to the author and tell the reader that this information was gained from another source. In other words, you’re not plagiarizing if you do it this way!

Quoting

Quotes are a powerful way to back up your thesis. You should use quotes as the “spice” of a paper, which back up your point. Choose quotes that you believe are powerful examples of your thesis. You may quote from a source in several ways.

Entire paragraph (or “block quote”): You may quote the entire paragraph, as used on the last page, by indenting it and copying it verbatim. As a rule, any material you quote over three sentences or more should be indented and cited.

Entire sentence: You may quote an entire sentence by copying it down exactly and citing the source. Introduce quotes with paraphrased or original sentences, such as transitions, that cue the reader that you are about to illustrate your thesis with a source.

Example:

Austin’s surname may be a cause for confusion. He has a birth father with whom he’s never in touch and a stepfather whom he considers his real father. “Now he mostly uses the name Steve Austin in his everyday life. This is how he separates it: Steve Austin earns the money and lives the life; Steve Williams pays the bills” (Heath 123).

Partial quote: A partial quote is an effective way to make a point by using an author’s words as part of your argument.

Example:

Because Austin’s surname may be a source of confusion, “this is how he separates it: Steve Austin earns the money and lives the life; Steve Williams pays the bills” (Heath 123).

Dialogue

Indent every time you change speakers if quoting dialogue. For example:

“I just love the Backstreet Boys. I think they’re so talented,” said Frederick

“Well I think the Backstreet Boys are the latest example of corporate music trying to cash in on young, impressionable minds by ramming a trend down our throats,” said Marie.

“That’s it! I can’t stand talking to you! I’m going to go home and listen to my Spice Girls CD’s, and I WON’T answer the phone if you call, so don’t bother!” exclaimed Frederick.

Notes:

• When quoting, punctuation always goes inside quotes.

• USE QUOTES AND PARAPHRASES! Not using either in your paper means you will be writing an opinion piece, and that will be very tiresome for your reader. Quotes and paraphrases give your opinion weight and importance.

• Use proper punctuation when using quotes and paraphrases.

• Don’t forget to use parenthetical references in your writing!

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