Writing a Paragraph That Includes a Paraphrase
Objectives
In successfully completing this assignment, you will be able to:
- Comprehend the overall meaning of an extensive passage
- Put it into your own words as a paraphrase
- Incorporate the paraphrase into a relevant context
- Comment on and explain relevence to what you are trying to say
1. Pick one of these following passages to paraphrase (Note: I do not necessarily edorse any of these opinions).
- VH1's series "Music Behind Bars" should not be criticized
- TV show "Friends" sends wrong message to young people
- High Schools Should Eliminate Class Rank
2. Paraphrase the article into a few sentences
3. Write a pargraph that includes the paraphrase of the article and your response to that article. The paragraph should not only contain the paraphrase, it should explain why you either disagree or agree with the article. If you agree, briefly explain why you think the paraphrased opinion makes sense. If you disagree, refute/rebut the opinion by explaining what's wrong with it and why.
For the purposes of this assignment, you must use a paraphrase, and may not use a direct quote from the source or any exact words. The paraphrase should only be a few sentences. It should not be more than half of the paragraph. The paragraph should be 7-14 sentences long.
The paraphrase must be cited parenthetically IMMEDIATELY after the source material, not at the end of the paragraph as you did for the summary. The placement of the parenthetical citation is important because it shows where the source ends and your commentary begins.
5. You must include a separate Works Cited page listing your souce in MLA format. Since they are all online articles, you know how to do this already from class practice.
- Pick the article you feel strongest about, whether you agree or disagree
- Approach it somewhat as you did the summary, looking for overall meaning and then putting that into your own words
- Do NOT use exact words
- Do NOT just switch out words. This is not a "literal paraphrase." You're communicating the gist of the passage in your own words and phrasing, not using their phrasing with a few words changed or switched out for their synonyms.
- Transition in and out of the paraphrase, don't just stick it all by itself. Work it into the paragraph.
- Like with direct quoting, you must make clear who the author/source is right off the bat.
- Make clear whether you agree or disagree with the passage in your paragraph. Approach this as argument, which statement of argument and logical reasoning.
- Your logical reasoning must consist of a direct response to whether or not the opinion is one you agree with, and why.
Assignment Requirements
How well you meet these requirements determines your grade. A good persuasive paragraph containing a quotation will:
- Have an accurate paraphrase that conveys the author's ideas briefly and in your own words
- Have a clearly stated response to that opinion (agree/disagree)
- Have a brief but clear explanation of your reason(s) why you agree/disagree
- Integrate the paraphrase smoothly in the text by transitioning into it and out of it
- Logically connect the paraphrase to the reasoning that makes up the support of the response
- Have a clear, logical organization
- Be focused
Due Date: Wednesday, Feb. 5th