WHAT IS PARAPHRASING?
When you take notes, you should paraphrase by putting the information in your own words. Use synonyms, rearrange ideas in a different order, and shortening the details.
WHEN DO I USE DIRECT QUOTES FROM A SOURCE?
Only use direct quotes if the author's words are so well stated that you want to use them to make an impact. In that case, be sure to put quotation marks around the phrase or sentence so that you remember you are using someone else's words, and you can give the author credit by writing something like, According to James Smith, ". . . ."
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?
Plagiarism is using someone else's words as your own and not giving the other person credit.
Plagiarism can result if you copy someone's exact words.
Plagiarism can also result if you paraphrase and use your own words, but you fail to give the other person credit for their ideas.
