To write good, strong character, you must combine original composition and solid research. Picking up other people's words and ideas and then seamlessly inserting them into your writing takes skill and ingenuity. By learning how to paraphrase, working out how and when to insert direct quotes, and broadening your writing skills in general, you'll be good at writing effectively in your own words.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Learn to Paraphrase
Step 1. Understand the text you want to quote
When doing your research, you need to be able to take the essence of someone else's idea and put it into your own words. To do this, first understand the text you want to retrieve. Read the text several times. Pause for a moment to understand unfamiliar-sounding words. Make sure you capture the message in it in its entirety.
Step 2. Set aside the original text and write the gist of the text without copying it
This will encourage you to “translate” the author's text into your own words. You will notice that the part that you remember the most will be the most significant part of your paraphrase. If you're working digitally, avoid using copy-paste.
Step 3. Add additional notes according to the context of the text
Ask yourself questions, such as: Where did it happen? How's the background? What else do readers need to know about it? Why is this important to you?
Step 4. Double check the original text
View the original text and reread it. Make sure you represent the message accurately. Correct the sentence by including important information that has not been conveyed. You have to make sure that the main idea of the original text still has the same meaning in the new text.
Step 5. Use quotes
If there are distinctive phrases or terms that you borrow directly from the original text, use quotation marks to distinguish them. The use of quotation marks on key words in the sentence you are paraphrasing is a tribute to the source of the quote, while at the same time strengthening the integrity of the main idea of the original text without turning it into a complete direct quote.
Step 6. Name the source
Include relevant information regarding the source of your article, including title, author, and date of publication. Follow the writing style guidelines, whether MLA (Modern Language Association Style, commonly used in academic writing, literature, and humanity), APA (American Psychological Association, commonly used in social science writing, including psychology, sociology, and politics), AP (Associated Press Style, typically used in news writing or journalism-based writing), or Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style, typically used in written manuscripts and publications, such as fiction and nonfiction books) to determine how to write sources in your manuscript. In the meantime, just make sure you have saved the information first. You may also want to review the source text for additional information.
Method 2 of 3: Quoting Effectively
Step 1. Decide if the quote is needed or not
The concept of using this quote is the exact opposite of the concept of "writing in one's own words." But learning to use quotes the right way is an important writing skill. First, you have to understand when it's time to use direct quotes. Use direct quotes to:
- Disputing other people's specific ideas.
- Support other people's specific ideas.
- Prove your personal opinion with the help of other people's opinions.
- Add skill or power with an important quote
Step 2. Give context to the quote
Do not enter citations independently. You must put the quote in the context of the text. Write one or two sentences that refer to the quote, that is, a sentence that shows the importance of the quote. Also provide the information the reader needs to understand the quote.
Step 3. Introduce a quote
At the beginning of your insertion of a quote into your writing, introduce the quote with an introductory phrase. This phrase should always contain the name of the originator of the quoted sentence as well as the full title of the work from which the quote was taken. Below are two examples:
- In the almanac Poor Richard's Almanac, Benjamin Franklin states, "Write something worth reading or do something worth writing."
- As Stephen King explains in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, "You can, you must, and if you're brave enough to start, you can."
Step 4. Check the format
The correct format for placing quotation marks and quotation sentences depends on the style guide you are following, whether MLA, APA, AP, or Chicago. Specific rules regarding block quotes, quote sentences, and even the placement of quotes will be determined by the style guide you use. (The quote above follows the MLA format).
- In general, your citation should be no more than 3-4 lines of text. If it's more than that (and if it's really important), you should use the block citation format (also known as long citation, i.e. citations in which the writing is separated into new paragraphs and is usually distinguished visually by paragraphs that are indented and typefaced). different or smaller size).
- At the end of the citation, enter any relevant data that you haven't mentioned, such as the author's name, page number, and/or publication date.
Step 5. Write down the author's name
Whichever style guide you choose, the author's name cited should always be included. This is an important part that should always be there. Whenever you use a phrase that matches the original author's phrase, you must enclose this phrase in quotation marks and include the author's name. Skipping this section is unethical. You are also at risk of being considered plagiarism.
Method 3 of 3: Practice Writing Skills
Step 1. Read anything you can read
The more you read, the greater the inspiration to write. You will naturally begin to absorb new grammar rules and styles of language. You will become more and more familiar with different styles, genres and literary sets. By knowing your preferred type of writing, you will begin to develop your own writing style.
Step 2. Expand vocabulary
The more words you know, the more proficient you will be at communicating ideas. Choosing a strong vocabulary will make it easier for you to paraphrase other people's writing.
- Whenever you come across a word that is foreign to your ear, look for its meaning.
- Open a dictionary or encyclopedia while relaxing.
- Chat with other people. Spoken words can be a great resource for acquiring new and interesting vocabulary.
Step 3. Fine-tune the grammar
If you don't understand the basic pattern of sentence formation, you will always have a hard time writing the right sentences. Once you understand the basic grammar rules, the unique words will flow naturally and your writing will be easier for readers to understand. Study various written sources related to grammar and style to broaden your horizons of knowledge.
- You can find many good sources of reading on grammar on the internet.
- Also follow writing groups on social media that usually share writing and grammar suggestions.
Step 4. Learn the essential tools of authorship
Writing tools, including themes, symbolism, and dramatic irony, can be used to make writing more interesting and express deeper messages. Even academic essays can get better with the use of the right writing tools.
- Theme: is a general idea or idea that appears throughout the written work.
- Symbolism: is an object, character, or color used to represent an important idea or concept.
- Dramatic irony: is the irony that arises when the meaning of the situation is understood by the reader, but not understood by the characters in the writing.
Step 5. Learn different writing methods
Try writing elsewhere and on a different device. For example, use a notebook and pen and write in a cafe, or other times, type on a laptop at home. In fact, writing with pen and paper will allow you to copy other people's writing less and paraphrase more. Keep a personal diary or write a letter to a friend. All of these methods can help you develop your writing style and improve your ability to organize and compose your writing.
Tips
- Use a dictionary or encyclopedia as a reference when writing. However, use it only after you have a complete and complete idea and have written it down in a simple form without the help of either one. When you're done, develop ideas using the same words or combine sentences using new words.
- Writing is best done when your mind is fresh and open-that is, don't write before bed. Try writing in the morning but after breakfast; or at night before or after dinner.
- Public libraries are a great place to find books and set a reading schedule. Many libraries can help you make a list of books, ranging from light to heavy.
- Practice new vocabulary with friends, but don't sound too showy.
Warning
- Don't use multiple words that mean the same thing. For example, the words "very" and "once" in the phrase "very important" are a form of excessive use of vocabulary. Don't waste words.
- Do not be lazy to open a dictionary or encyclopedia when writing. Both are very useful.
