San Antonio College Writing Center | Moody Learning Center 200 | 210-486-1433 3.1.22
Guide for Paraphrasing
From APA Style, “a paraphrase restates another’s idea in your own words. Paraphrasing allows you to
summarize and synthesize information from one or more sources, focus on significant information,
and compare and contrast relevant details.”
In APA articles and essays, authors and instructors prefer the use of paraphrases over direct
quotations. Students are encouraged and often required to use this form of citation. However, it may
be difficult when learning different styles in college. So, let’s first begin with the five steps to
paraphrasing, then we will look at the two different types of citation styles used for paraphrases.
Five Steps to Paraphrasing
1. Read the passage several times to fully understand the meaning. To paraphrase effectively,
you need to understand the content and context of the information you are reading. Start by
reading the passage several times.
Reference
Fredrickson, B. L., Grewen, K. M., Coffey, K. A., Algoe, S. B., Firestine, A. M., Arevalo, J. M. G.,
Ma, J., ... Cole, S. W. (August 13, 2013). A functional genomic perspective on human well-
being. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of
America, 110, 33, 13684-9.
Sample Paragraph
“In the present study, we examined the biological implications of hedonic and eudaimonic
well-being through the lens of the human genome—a system of ∼21,000 genes that has
evolved fundamentally to help humans survive and thrive (i.e., be well) (32). Previous
studies have found that circulating immune cells show a systematic shift in basal gene
expression profiles during extended periods of stress, threat, or uncertainty (12, 33).”
2. Note down key concepts. When you have read and reread the passage. Make notes on the
passage about the key concepts. Look up key words or ideas.
Sample Paragraph
“In the present study, we examined the biological implications of hedonic and eudaimonic
well-being through the lens of the human genome—a system of ∼21,000 genes that has
evolved fundamentally to help humans survive and thrive (i.e., be well) (32). Previous
studies have found that circulating immune cells show a systematic shift in basal gene
expression profiles during extended periods of stress, threat, or uncertainty (12, 33).”
3. Write your version of the text without looking at the original
The authors are studying the biological effects of two types of happiness on the human
genome system and how previous immune studies that looked at emotion have shown
negative effects.
4. Compare your paraphrased text with the original passage and make minor adjustments to
phrases that remain too similar.
Sample Paragraph
“In the present study, we examined the biological implications of hedonic and eudaimonic
well-being through the lens of the human genome—a system of ∼21,000 genes that has
evolved fundamentally to help humans survive and thrive (i.e., be well) (32). Previous
