LPE2503 ACADEMIC WRITING
LECTURE NOTES 3
[WEEK 7 – 11]
Topics:
1. Developing Supporting Details
2. Integrating Sources
3. Indirect Quotation: Paraphrasing
4. Indirect Quotation: Summarising
1. DEVELOPING SUPPORTING DETAILS
In academic writing, a well-structured paragraph is crucial. Each paragraph should
focus on a single idea and strive to develop it coherently. In addition to expanding
your main idea, include supporting details such as examples, facts, statistics, and
quotations from the works of reputable scholars and experts.
Your supporting details not only add validity to the main idea but also further develop
the supporting sentences. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate a source that is
both credible and relevant to your supporting sentences and your main idea.
Consider the following examples that illustrate the differences between relevant and
irrelevant supporting details.
2. INTEGRATING SOURCES
Writing an academic text requires the incorporation of information and ideas from
other sources especially that of experts in the fields. To do this without being accused
of plagiarising, you need to use the appropriate method for incorporating others’
writing into your own. The suggested methods are as follows:
While using direct quotations to support your ideas offers the benefit of providing
direct reliable sources to support your ideas, quotations need to be used sparingly as
they may interfere with flow of ideas. As such, in most instances, indirect quotations
are a better option.
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3. INDIRECT QUOTATION: PARAPHRASING
When you describe something you have heard, you often repeat the same idea but
use different words. For example, if you hear the TV announcer say, “There is an
80% chance of rain tomorrow,” you may tell a friend, “It will probably rain tomorrow.”
This last statement is a paraphrase. A paraphrase is a restatement of another
person’s ideas using your own words.
You can use paraphrasing in writing to incorporate other sources into your writing.
Repeating the author’s ideas in your own words shows that you truly comprehend the
original ideas.
Three criteria for a good paraphrase
Paraphrase Example
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3.1 SUCCESSFUL vs UNSUCCESSFUL PARAPHRASES
Paraphrasing is often defined as putting a passage from an author into “your own
words.” But what are your own words? How different must your paraphrase be from
the original? The excerpt below is taken from an article. Read and understand the
ideas in the excerpt.
The original excerpt:
The following two paraphrases are examples of unsuccessful paraphrases which are
plagiarised.
Word-for-Word Plagiarism
Why is this plagiarism?
Here, the writer has not only “borrowed” Miller and Vagins’s work with no
acknowledgment, but the writer has also largely maintained the author’s method of
expression and sentence structure. The underlined words and phrases are directly
copied from the source or slightly changed in form.
Even if the writer had acknowledged Miller and Vagins as the source of the content,
the language would be considered plagiarised because the writer did not include
quotation marks to indicate the phrases or words that come directly from Miller and
Vagins. However, if there were quotation marks around all the “borrowed” phrases
and words, the paragraph would be so cluttered that it could be unreadable.
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A Patchwork Paraphrase
Why is this plagiarism?
This paraphrase is a patchwork composed of pieces in the original author’s language
(underlined) and pieces in the writer’s words, all rearranged into a new pattern.
Borrowed pieces of the original may be included but must be represented in
quotation marks. Thus, even though the writer acknowledges the source of the
material, the underlined phrases are falsely presented as the writer’s own.
A Successful and Legitimate Paraphrase
Paraphrase:
Why is this a good paraphrase?
The writer has documented Miller and Vagins’s material by making direct reference to
the author (in-text citation) and modifying Miller and Vagins’s language by using
synonyms and changing the sentence structure.
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EXERCISE 1
Decide whether the following are a good paraphrase, word-for-word paraphrase, or
patchwork paraphrase.
a)
Original There are many ways to manage anger effectively. Firstly, one can
excerpt use a relaxation technique such as deep breathing or relaxing
imagery. Secondly, a person can change the way he thinks.
Thirdly, a person should use problem-solving techniques in
managing his anger. Lastly, changing a person’s environment may
cause him to control his anger.
(Yinda, 2015)
Paraphrased Yinda (2015) proposes four solutions to manage anger effectively.
excerpt The first solution is to employ deep breathing exercises while
thinking about something relaxing. Changing one’s view or attitude
can also help one overcome anger. Facing problems head on and
seeking a resolution and exercising it can help anger subside.
Finally, a new environment can help alleviate the stress and anger
one feels in their present surroundings.
Is this a good paraphrase and why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b)
Original The Malaysian government has a strong hold on education: any
excerpt major change in language policy has always needed approval at
the government level.
(Gill, 2005)
Paraphrase Any major language policy amendment in Malaysia has always
d excerpt needed government-level approval as the government has a strong
hold on educational matters.
Is this a good paraphrase and why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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c)
Original There are many ways for students to prepare for employment
excerpt while they are still studying. Firstly, they can find jobs during the
semester break. Secondly, they can build their network of
contacts while studying. Thirdly, they need to ensure a clean
online profile.
(William, 2021)
Paraphrased Students can increase their employability skills by employing
excerpt several strategies. They can assume part-time jobs, improve their
social connections, and construct positive online identities while
still studying (William, 2021).
Is this a good paraphrase and why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
d)
Original The stages that children pass through in development of
excerpt language are very consistent. However, the exact age when they
hit these milestones varies a lot.
(Smith, 2022)
Paraphrased Smith (2022) states that the stages that are passed through by
excerpt children in their language development are very consistent.
Nevertheless, the specific time when they hit these milestones
can be different.
Is this a good paraphrase and why?
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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3.2. PARAPHRASING STRATEGIES
An effective paraphrase includes more than one of the following strategies. Read
and analyse the following examples of paraphrases. Take note of the various
strategies used to paraphrase the original excerpts. When you paraphrase, you may
use more than one of these strategies to paraphrase effectively.
1. Use synonyms
A synonym is a word that has a similar meaning with another word. While
paraphrasing, use synonyms to replace words in the original excerpt with other words
of similar meaning.
In this example, while there are instances where a single word is replaced with its
synonym such in the case of “declared” and “announced”, it is also possible to use
clusters of words or phrases which convey the same meaning as the original words
as seen in the example above.
2. Change word order: this might include changing from active voice to
passive voice
If the original excerpt is written in active voice (focus on the doer of a sentence), you
may paraphrase by changing it to passive voice (focus on the actions, not the doer).
This allows you to paraphrase effectively by changing the word order.
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In this example, to form a passive sentence, the object in an active sentence
becomes the subject in a passive sentence. On the other hand, the subject in the
active sentence becomes the object in the passive sentence.
3. Change the organisation of ideas
To paraphrase effectively, you may also revise the order of ideas in an excerpt. To do
so, study the ideas of the original text. Then, try to change the way ideas are
organised in the paraphrased text to make it different from the original excerpt.
In this example, the least significant main idea is used as the first main idea. This
arrangement is contrasting to the order of the original excerpt.
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4. Other strategies
While this lecture notes have highlighted three suggested strategies, there are many
other strategies that could also be employed to effectively paraphrase such as
changing the part of speech of a word, changing numbers and percentages to
different forms, and changing sentence structure and using different connecting
words.
****Caution: When paraphrasing, do not change key terms, proper nouns, or
technical terms*****
EXERCISE 2
Replace the words in bold with an appropriate synonym.
1. The researcher's findings indicated a significant impact on climate change due to
deforestation.
Synonym: _________________
2. The report presented compelling evidence in favour of renewable energy sources.
Synonym: _________________
3. The article's conclusion succinctly summarised the main points of the research.
Synonym: _________________
4. The survey results indicated a growing preference for remote work among
employees.
Synonym: _________________
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5. Thilmany et al. (2015) have done research into the buying habits of consumers of
organic food.
Synonym: _________________
EXERCISE 3
Paraphrase the sentence by changing it from active voice to passive voice.
1. The research team conducts a series of experiments to investigate the effects of
climate change on local ecosystems.
Passive voice:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. The conference organisers have invited renowned experts from various countries
to deliver speeches on the impacts of emerging technologies.
Passive voice:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. The university administration will provide financial support to students who excel
academically and demonstrate a commitment to community service.
Passive voice:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. The government implements policies to promote renewable energy sources.
Passive voice:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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5. The company develops cutting-edge technology to enhance communication
systems.
Passive voice:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
EXERCISE 4
Paraphrase the text by revising the order of the ideas. Include an in-text citation
according to the APA style and the citation format given.
1)
Excerpt
In order to improve their time management skills, students should firstly
create a schedule or to-do list in order to prioritise tasks based on their
importance and deadline. Secondly, students should minimise distractions in
order to stay focused in completing goals and meeting deadlines. Lastly,
students need to learn to take breaks to prevent burnout. They need to learn
to say no to additional commitments when necessary.
Source Online article
Author Kim Sarang
Publication date October 2021
Title Time Management Tips for Students
Citation format Citation within the sentence
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 5
Paraphrase the following text by applying appropriate paraphrasing strategies.
Include an in-text citation according to the APA style and the citation format given.
1)
Excerpt
Parents play an important role in the prevention of cyberbullying by banning
websites and setting age-appropriate limits for surfing the internet. Poor
parental monitoring is usually associated with a higher risk for young people
to be involved in both traditional and cyberbullying, whether as the bully or
target. It is also essential for the parents to be able to identify signs that
indicate their children are involved in cyberbullying.
Source Online article
Author National Bullying Prevention Centre
Publication date May 2013
Title Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Young People’s
Emotional Health and Well-being
Citation format Citation within the sentence
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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2)
Excerpt
Studies have shown that green tea can increase fat burning and help people
lose weight. It is loaded with antioxidants and various substances that are
beneficial for health. The active compounds in green tea can aid in this
process by enhancing the effects of some fat burning hormones. In addition,
the substances in the tea leaves can support weight loss efforts by reducing
appetite and boosting metabolism.
Source Journal article
Author Donna Levinson
Publication date June 2017
Title Effects of Green Tea on Human Health
Citation format Citation at the end of the sentence
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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4. INDIRECT QUOTATION: SUMMARISING
When integrating sources, you must be selective of the information that you would
like to include. You should only focus on the key ideas and/or relevant supporting
details that are necessary to support your supporting sentences especially when
dealing with a longer excerpt.
Summarising involves the act of restating relevant key ideas and/or crucial supporting
details from the original source. It is an important skill in integrating sources into your
writing.
FOUR CRITERIA OF A GOOD SUMMARY
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4.1. STEPS FOR WRITING A GOOD SUMMARY
To write a good summary, you may follow the steps outlined below.
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STEP 1: IDENTIFICATION OF KEY IDEAS
One of the challenges in summarising is that you must choose which information
to include, keeping in mind the principles of only including relevant and/or
significant information. You can study the technique that follows to help you
identify the significant key ideas and/or supporting details.
TECHNIQUE FOR IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS: UNDERLINING
1. Read the article completely several times to develop a basic
understanding of the information presented.
2. With a highlighter, mark key ideas in the article that you believe is important.
●Underline key ideas and/or significant supporting details that are
necessary to support your supporting sentences.
●If you find that you have highlighted most or all of the sentences in an
excerpt, you are no longer summarising the excerpt.
3. When your highlighting is done, read each sentence again to make
sure you understand the ideas.
4. Then you can paraphrase the highlighted sentences.
5. You can use these paraphrased ideas as your summary.
STEP 2: PARAPHRASING OF THE IDENTIFIED KEY IDEAS
After identifying the key ideas, you need to paraphrase them using appropriate
paraphrasing strategies. Often, you will find yourself using multiple paraphrasing
strategies simultaneously.
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STEP 3: INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE
You can choose how you want to arrange the information in your introduction. Below
are two possible styles of writing a summary:
STEP 4 AND 5: WRITING AND EDITING
The final two steps in writing a summary involve consolidating the paraphrased key
ideas. into a single paragraph and editing it for conciseness and coherence.
Additionally, it is advisable to review your summary to confirm that it aligns with both
your supporting sentences and your topic sentence.
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EXERCISE 6
Identify the key ideas for supporting details that are relevant to the given topic
sentence and supporting sentence. Summarise the key ideas and include in-text
citation according to the APA style.
Source : Article
Author : Morley Warner
Date of
Publicatio : February 2011
n
Title : Academic Writing: A Guide to Writing in a University Context
Firstly, producing good academic writing piece requires students to
Topic
: employ various strategies.
Sentence
One of the most important strategies is to study the style of
Supporting
: established good written work.
Sentence
To write successfully in a university, students need to have a sense
of what the final product should look and sound like. If possible,
read model assignments, or if these are not available, study the
way in which journal articles have been written in their field of
Original study. These articles may be lengthy and some may be based on
:
Excerpt
research rather than discussion issues, but from them they will get
a sense of how academic writing ‘sounds’, that is, its tone and how
respected writers in their field assemble information. This will
enable the students to build their writing skills.
Key ideas for supporting details:
1) _____________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________
3) _____________________________________________________
Summary:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 7
Identify the key ideas for supporting details that are relevant to the given topic
sentence and supporting sentence. Summarise the key ideas and include in-text
citation according to the APA style.
Source : Journal article
Author : Samuel Derek Robinson and Charles Ray Carlyle
Date of
Publicatio : August 2016
n
Title : Mental Health and the Associated Factors among University
Students
Topic Firstly, mental health disorders among university students are
:
Sentence triggered by excessive use of social media.
Supporting As social media is addictive, students tend to spend much of
: their time browsing through these platforms.
Sentence
Stress is considered as one of the most prevalent risk factors of
mental illness among university students because they have to
deal with a vast range of academic, social, and personal
challenges. A study conducted to investigate the prevalence of
stress among medical students in Saudi Arabia revealed that
the occurrence of stress was 71.9%, with females being more
stressed than the males. The major issues associated with
perceived stress among students were long hours of study,
increase in academic workload, psychological and family issues,
lack of entertainment on campus, and the education system
Original itself.
:
Excerpt Another contributing factor that leads to mental health disorders
among university students is the excessive use of social media
and technology. In fact, it impairs the social interaction of
students and increases the sense of isolation which affects
mental health. Several studies have found that mobile phone
addiction is associated with increased sleep
disturbance, depression, anxiety, and overall stress among
university students. For example, one study found that almost
50% of university students indicated that they woke up at night
to reply text messages. The same study found that students
who use technology during their sleeping hours have poorer
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quality of sleep and higher rates of mental disorders such as
depression and anxiety.
Key ideas for supporting details:
1) _____________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________
Paraphrase key ideas:
1) ________________________________________________________________
2) ________________________________________________________________
Summary:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 8
Identify the key ideas for supporting details that are relevant to the given topic
sentences and supporting sentences. Summarise the key ideas and include in-text
citation according to the APA style
Source : Journal Article
Author : Gillian Coote Martin and Mary Robinson
Date of : December 2014
Publication
Title : The Effects of Cultural Diversity in The Workplace
Topic : Firstly, cultural diversity in organisations is fundamental as it
Sentence contributes towards the growth of the organisations.
Supporting : A multicultural workforce offers a broader set of skills that is
Sentence crucial when expanding into new markets.
Original : In addition, a culturally diverse working environment in
Excerpt organisations can drive business growth by involving a diverse
workforce. With expansion into other countries comes a range of
obstacles including, but not limited to, gathering information about
local customs and laws in the foreign country, assessing risks and
designing strategies to overcome those risks. When an
organisation has a culturally diverse workforce, it can use the
information and knowledge of the individual workers to achieve
these objectives and overcome the aforementioned obstacles.
This means making use of language skills, cultural information,
knowledge of the business networks and knowledge of the
business market of the employees’ home countries. With these
key assets, organisations will have competitive advantages in
marketing goods and services to a growing migrant community as
well as to the global market. The Avon Company, for example,
was able to turn around its unprofitable inner-city markets in the
United States by putting African-American and Hispanic
managers in charge of marketing to these populations. Just as
ethnic minorities may prefer to work for employers who value
diversity, they may also prefer to buy from such organisations.
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Key ideas for supporting details:
1) _____________________________________________________
2) _____________________________________________________
3) _____________________________________________________
Paraphrase key ideas:
1) ________________________________________________________________
2) ________________________________________________________________
3) ________________________________________________________________
Summary:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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