Research the APA topics: (a) paraphrasing, (b) quotations un…
Research the APA topics: (a) paraphrasing, (b) quotations under forty words, and (c) quotations over forty words. Select one of the topics to write about (a), (b) or (c). Please explain how and when to use that APA function. Write an APA topic with APA citations.
Answer
APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in academic writing to ensure clarity, consistency, and proper attribution of sources. It provides guidelines for various aspects of writing, including paraphrasing and the use of quotations. In this assignment, I will discuss and provide examples of how and when to use APA style for paraphrasing.
Paraphrasing is a crucial skill in academic writing, as it allows us to express ideas from sources in our own words while still acknowledging the original author. When paraphrasing, it is important to preserve the meaning of the original source while putting it into our own words.
To effectively paraphrase in APA style, follow these steps:
1. Read the original text carefully to understand its main ideas or arguments.
2. Set the original aside and write down the main points or ideas without looking at it.
3. Compare what you have written with the original text to ensure accuracy.
4. Rewrite the main ideas or arguments using your own words and writing style (while maintaining the appropriate level of formality).
5. Finally, cite the original source using APA in-text citation format.
Here is an example of how to paraphrase a sentence from a scholarly article using APA style:
Original sentence: “The study found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Paraphrased sentence: Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (Smith, 2020).
In this example, the ideas of the original sentence have been restated in the student’s own words. The citation at the end of the paraphrase acknowledges the source of the information, including the author’s last name and the publication year.
Paraphrasing is not only used to express information from sources but can also be utilized to integrate multiple sources into one cohesive argument or discussion. When doing so, it is vital to ensure that each paraphrase is properly cited with the corresponding sources.
Remember, when paraphrasing, it is important to accurately convey the main ideas and arguments of the original source while using your own words. Additionally, be cautious not to borrow too closely from the original text and to always provide appropriate citation to avoid plagiarism.
Paraphrasing is a versatile skill that can be used in various contexts, such as summarizing articles, integrating evidence into arguments, or explaining complex concepts. By mastering the art of paraphrasing and properly citing sources using APA style, writers can enhance the clarity and credibility of their work while demonstrating their understanding of the topic.