Final answer:
Paraphrasing is the act of rewording a text in one's own words while maintaining the original meaning, whereas summarizing involves condensing the main points of a text into a shorter form. Both require attribution to the original source.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paraphrasing involves rewording a text or passage in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. For example, if a quotation would disrupt the flow of a paper or when combining statistical information with one's own analysis, paraphrasing helps in conveying the ideas using a personal voice. On the other hand, summarizing involves condensing the main points of a text into a shorter version, ensuring that the main points and major details are retained.
Both paraphrasing and summarizing require providing formatted information about the original source, to attribute the original idea to the correct author. Paraphrasing can be as long as the original but should offer clarity and simplification where necessary, while summarizing focuses on brevity, often omitting details that are less relevant to the main points.
Examples of Paraphrasing and Summarizing:
- Paraphrase: A student might paraphrase a complex scientific explanation to demonstrate understanding using accessible language.
- Summarize: A student might summarize the plot of a novel in a few sentences to outline the main events.