Technique 1: Paraphrasing (re-writing in your own words)

Books and articles should be used as a source of information from which you write, in your own words, what you believe are the important points. You must acknowledge your sources of information (see below). In the parts of your writing that rely on source texts for information, paraphrasing should be used the most.

As well as stating the important points you should also explain the points, compare and contrast the views of different authors you have read, and add your own comments on the topic under discussion. By doing these things you go beyond merely repeating the information which you have found. This is what makes a good assignment. Repeating information shows only that the information has been read and possibly memorised. The addition of explanations, comparisons, contrasts and comments is better because it shows that the information has been read, analysed and understood. A teacher who is marking an assignment is sure to give higher marks for such a display of knowledge and understanding.