Final answer:
Paraphrasing is particularly useful in d) writing a research paper, as it integrates ideas from various sources while maintaining a clear and consistent writing voice. It's crucial to credit original sources properly to avoid plagiarism. Although paraphrasing is less common in creative writing like poems and short stories, it can be used effectively depending on the context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paraphrasing is a valuable skill in writing, particularly in academic writing and when drafting an argumentative research essay. It involves rewording the ideas from another person's text in your own words while maintaining the original meaning, but without altering the length significantly. This skill allows writers to integrate research and establish background knowledge, while also simplifying complex ideas or statistics, and ensuring the writing maintains a cohesive voice. Additionally, it is important to remember that paraphrasing requires proper citation to credit the original source and avoid plagiarism.
When deciding whether to paraphrase in your writing, consider the context. Paraphrasing is most appropriate in writing a research paper where integrating multiple sources and maintaining a consistent authorial voice are important. In circumstances such as writing a poem or a short story, direct quotes might break the flow and consistency of your own narrative voice, unless they serve a clear purpose within the creative work.
It's crucial to practice paraphrasing effectively—to maintain the balance between using someone else's ideas and becoming too dependent on the original language. This balance helps prevent a 'patchwork' essay and keeps the writer's voice predominant. Always ensure you are not modifying the author's original meaning and cite all sources accurately.