when paraphrasing multiple sentences apa

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / APA Format / Paraphrasing in APA

Paraphrasing in APA

Paraphrasing is the art of putting information into your own words while writing a research paper, in order to maintain the academic integrity of your project. This is important because you need to use solid evidence as a researcher, but you need to put information into the proper format to avoid plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) created a writing style in 1929 that calls for uniformity and consistency in giving credit to sources in your research.

How to properly paraphrase

If you do not properly paraphrase your source material following the APA style, you are at the risk of losing credibility as a writer and possibly plagiarizing. Although paraphrasing is not difficult, it does take time and a little forethought to do it correctly. There are several steps you should follow in order to achieve success.

1. Read the original source

The first step in creating an effective paraphrase is to carefully read the original source. Read it the first time to get the overall understanding, and then do a second closer reading in order to gather details and material that will help you formulate your argument.

2. Take notes in your own words

After reading the original source and determining what details can help you formulate your argument, take a minute to jot down some notes. Be careful to put everything into your own words. Change the structure of the sentence as well as the vocabulary.

Also, take a moment to take notes on the context of the source. Why was it written? Who wrote it? When was it written?

3. Construct a paraphrase

In order to construct a paraphrase, you need to include the same information, but with different sentence structure and different vocabulary. APA rules say that a paraphrase should be approximately the same length as the original.

You also need to add contextual text around the paraphrase so it fits within your paper.

4. Double check the original source to avoid duplication

Although an extra step, it is always a good idea to read through the original source one more time to make sure that you have chosen different words and varied the sentence structure. This is a good time to add the APA requirements of author and year of the source so that you have it handy.

5. Include an APA in-text citation

Even though you are putting a paraphrase into your own words, APA requires an in-text citation for paraphrasing. You can create a parenthetical citation or a narrative citation to accomplish this.

Remember: All in-text citations will also need a corresponding APA reference in the APA reference page . For this article, we’re just focusing on in-text citations in paraphrases.

For both types of in-text citation, you will need the following source information:

• Author’s last name
• Year published
• single page: p. #
• page range: pp. #-#

Parenthetical citation

For an APA parenthetical citation , write your paraphrase and then add the author and year in parenthesis at the end. Use a comma between the author and the year inside the parenthesis, and put the period for the end of the sentence outside the parenthesis.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? (Key, 1814).

My parents traveled from Italy to Germany and then France. As the oldest child, I traveled with them after being born in Naples. They were very close, and shared that love they had for each other with me (Shelley, 1818, p. 78).

Narrative citation

In a narrative citation, you introduce the author’s name as part of the sentence, and put the year in parenthesis.

Francis Scott Key (1814) wrote very special words while overlooking a battle: Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

For further details, visit this guide on APA in-text citations.

Paraphrasing example

Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave an inaugural address in January 1933 during the Great Depression. This is an excerpt taken from an online source :

This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper….

1. Read original source text

In order to paraphrase, read through the text once to get the gist of it, and then again for deeper understanding. The context of this passage is also significant. It was given by a U.S. president during the Great Depression. What do you think he was trying to achieve?

Next take notes in your own words. Without immediately looking at the text, jot down what you think is the main point or concept of it. Next, take notes on the context of the source (you can look at the source for this).

For this passage, a few example notes could be:

• Facing truth
• Harsh current reality
• Believing that this great nation will endure and eventually prosper again
• Speech by President Roosevelt in 1933
• Given during the Great Depression
• He was addressing his citizens

Now’s the time to construct the paraphrase. Based on the notes above, a paraphrase would look something like this:

With his inaugural speech, Roosevelt was carefully trying to prepare citizens of the Nation to face the harsh reality that the Great Depression had caused, while also reassuring them that the country would endure and eventually prosper again.

4. Double check with the original source

The paraphrase above doesn’t not look too similar to the original, but we could still change a few words that were also in the original phrase (like “Nation,” “endure,” and “prosper). Revised, it looks like this:

With his inaugural speech, Roosevelt was carefully trying to prepare citizens of the United States to face the harsh reality that the Great Depression had caused, while also reassuring them that the country would eventually bounce back .

5. Add an APA in-text citation

An APA in-text citation means including the source’s author, year published, and page numbers (if available). The paraphrase already has the author’s name, but the year published needs to be added in parentheses. This is from an online source so no page number is needed.

With his inaugural speech, Roosevelt (1933) was carefully trying to prepare citizens of the United States to face the harsh reality that the Great Depression had caused, while also reassuring them that the country would eventually bounce back.

Examples of poor paraphrasing

Most people who fail at paraphrasing use the same sentence as the original source, and just change a word or two. If this is the case, the paraphrase would look something like this:

This great country will endure as it has endured, will come back to life and will prosper. So, first of all, let me show my strong belief that the only thing we have to worry about is fear itself…”

Another problem with paraphrasing occurs when you do half the job. Although the first and third sentences change the sentence structure and vocabulary in the sample below, there are some sections that are taken word-for-word from the original.

“From Italy they visited Germany and France. I, their eldest child, was born at Naples, and as an infant accompanied them in their rambles. I remained for several years their only child. Much as they were attached to each other, they seemed to draw inexhaustible stores of affection from a very mine of love to bestow them upon me.

Paraphrase:

My parents visited Italy and then Germany and France. I, their eldest child, was born at Naples. I traveled with them and was their only child for a few years. They loved each other and they seemed to draw inexhaustible stores of affection from a very mine of love.

In addition to the word-for-word similarities, this paraphrase doesn’t mention the original source’s author, year published, or page number (Shelley, 1818, p. 78).

Key takeaways

• In order to avoid plagiarism, APA delineates the way to give credit to sources when you are paraphrasing.
• In APA style, parenthetical citations demand the author and year of source.
• In order to create a stellar paraphrase, you need to change the structure and the words, but keep the main idea intact.

Published October 28, 2020.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

APA Citation Examples

APA Formatting

Writing Tools

Citation Generators

Other Citation Styles

Plagiarism Checker

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, apa paraphrase.

• © 2023 by Jennifer Janechek - IBM Quantum

How should a paraphrased passage be cited?

When paraphrasing a passage, it is essential to express the ideas of the author in your own original words; however, the author’s message and meaning should always be preserved.

Charges of plagiarism can be avoided by including the proper citation of the work you are drawing from in your paraphrase. The APA requires a paraphrase to include the author’s last name and the work’s year of publication, but also suggests that the page number of the original text be included.

Let’s look at an example of a cited paraphrase:

Original text: “A yellow flower is yellow because it reflects yellow light and absorbs other wavelengths. The red glass of a stained glass window is red because it transmits red light and absorbs other wavelengths. The process by which we perceive the colours of natural objects around us can therefore be described as a ‘subtractive’ process” (Pender, 1998, p. 14). [1]

Paraphrase: Pender explains that through subtractive process , humans see the color of objects based on the wavelengths of light that are absorbed by each object (Pender, 1998, p. 14). [1]

Note: The paraphrase maintains the ideas of the original passage while expressing the message in a new voice. The original author is also cited properly.

How should a summarized passage or work be cited?

When summarizing a passage or work from another writer, briefly outline in your own original words the major ideas presented in the source material. As brevity is the key feature of a summary, it is essential to express the main concepts of the original passage in as concise a manner as possible. Consider using a summary—rather than a short or block quotation—when preserving the original wording of the source material is not necessary for the reader to understand the ideas under discussion.

Let’s look at an example of a cited summary:

Original text: “In their everyday life, people generally assume that they see the world around them the way it really is. When camping in Colorado, hikers believe they see the horizon as dotted with snow-covered mountaintops. When laying on the beach in North Carolina, sunbathers believe they see pelicans flying above the breaking waves. And these people would nearly always be right. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine not believing that the sights and sounds delivered to conscious awareness by perceptual systems are accurate renderings of the outside world. It would be difficult to know how to act if one could not trust one’s senses to accurately report what the world outside is like” (Balcetis, 2010, p. 77). [2]

Summary: In Social Psychology of Visual Perception , Balcetis (2010) argues that because humans rely on the sensory information received from their body, they form preconceived beliefs about their surroundings that manifest as imaginary visual occurrences (p. 77). [2]

Note: The summary maintains the ideas of the original passage while concisely expressing its main concepts. The original author is also cited properly.

How should multiple sources be cited in a single parenthetical reference?

If multiple works need to be cited in the same set of parentheses, simply arrange them in alphabetical order by the author’s last names, or the order in which they would be listed in the References page. Use a semicolon to separate each work from the next one.

Let’s look at an example of multiple authors being cited:

In the past thirty years, Parkinson’s disease has been written about extensively by recognized figures in the field (Dorros, 1989; Duvoisin, 1991; Hauser & Zesiewicz, 1996). [3][4][5]

Note: This example includes the in-text citations of three works arranged in alphabetical order by authors’ names, separated by semi-colons, and enclosed in parentheses.

• Formatting In-text Citations (APA)

[1] Pender, K. (1998). Digital colour in graphic design . Burlington, VT: Elsevier Science & Technology.

[2] Balcetis, E. (2010). Social psychology of visual perception . Hoboken, NJ: Taylor & Francis.

[3] Dorros, S. (1989). Parkinson’s: A patient’s view . Cabin John, MD: Seven Locks Press.

[4] Duvoisin, R. C. (1991). Parkinson’s disease: A guide for patient and family . New York, NY: Raven Press.

[5] Hauser, R. A., & Zesiewicz, T. A. (1996). Parkinson’s disease: Questions and answers . Coral Springs, FL: Merit.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

Suggested Edits

• Please select the purpose of your message. * - Corrections, Typos, or Edits Technical Support/Problems using the site Advertising with Writing Commons Copyright Issues I am contacting you about something else
• Your full name
• Your email address *
• Page URL needing edits *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other Topics:

Citation - Definition - Introduction to Citation in Academic & Professional Writing

• Joseph M. Moxley

Explore the different ways to cite sources in academic and professional writing, including in-text (Parenthetical), numerical, and note citations.

Collaboration - What is the Role of Collaboration in Academic & Professional Writing?

Collaboration refers to the act of working with others or AI to solve problems, coauthor texts, and develop products and services. Collaboration is a highly prized workplace competency in academic...

Genre may reference a type of writing, art, or musical composition; socially-agreed upon expectations about how writers and speakers should respond to particular rhetorical situations; the cultural values; the epistemological assumptions...

Grammar refers to the rules that inform how people and discourse communities use language (e.g., written or spoken English, body language, or visual language) to communicate. Learn about the rhetorical...

Information Literacy - Discerning Quality Information from Noise

Information Literacy refers to the competencies associated with locating, evaluating, using, and archiving information. In order to thrive, much less survive in a global information economy — an economy where information functions as a...

Mindset refers to a person or community’s way of feeling, thinking, and acting about a topic. The mindsets you hold, consciously or subconsciously, shape how you feel, think, and act–and...

Rhetoric: Exploring Its Definition and Impact on Modern Communication

Learn about rhetoric and rhetorical practices (e.g., rhetorical analysis, rhetorical reasoning,  rhetorical situation, and rhetorical stance) so that you can strategically manage how you compose and subsequently produce a text...

Style, most simply, refers to how you say something as opposed to what you say. The style of your writing matters because audiences are unlikely to read your work or...

The Writing Process - Research on Composing

The writing process refers to everything you do in order to complete a writing project. Over the last six decades, researchers have studied and theorized about how writers go about...

Writing Studies

Writing studies refers to an interdisciplinary community of scholars and researchers who study writing. Writing studies also refers to an academic, interdisciplinary discipline – a subject of study. Students in...

Featured Articles

Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community

Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World

Credibility & Authority – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Speech & Writing

• Joyner Library
• Laupus Health Sciences Library
• Music Library
• Digital Collections
• Special Collections
• North Carolina Collection
• Teaching Resources
• The ScholarShip Institutional Repository
• Country Doctor Museum

APA Citation Style, 7th Edition: In-Text Citations & Paraphrasing

• APA 6/7 Comparison Guide
• New & Notable Changes
• Student Paper Layout
• Journal Article with One Author
• Journal Article with Two Authors
• Journal Article with Three or more Authors
• Help?! I can't find the DOI
• One Author/Editor
• Two Authors/Editors
• Chapter in a Book
• Electronic Books
• Social Media Posts
• YouTube or other streaming video
• Podcast or other audio works
• Infographic, Powerpoint, or other visual works
• Government Websites & Publications, & Gray Literature
• Legislative (US & State House & Senate) Bills
• StatPearls, UpToDate, DynaMedex
• Dissertations & Thesis
• Interviews & Emails
• Magazine Articles
• Newspaper Articles
• Datasets, Software, & Tests
• Posters & Conference Sessions
• Photographs, Tables, & PDF's
• Canvas Posts & Class Discussion Boards
• In-Text Citations & Paraphrasing
• References Page
• Free APA 7th edition Resources, Handouts, & Tutorials

When do I use in-text citations?

When should you add in-text citations in your paper .

There are several rules of thumb you can follow to make sure that you are citing your paper correctly in APA 7 format. 

• Think of your paper broken up into paragraphs. When you start a paragraph, the first time you add a sentence that has been paraphrased from a reference -> that's when you need to add an in-text citation. 
• Continue writing your paragraph, you do NOT need to add another in-text citation until: 1) You are paraphrasing from a NEW source, which means you need to cite NEW information OR 2) You need to cite a DIRECT quote, which includes a page number, paragraph number or Section title. 
• Important to remember : You DO NOT need to add an in-text citation after EVERY sentence of your paragraph. 

What do in-text citations look like?

In-text citation styles: , let's look at these examples if they were written in text: .

An example with 1 author:

Parenthetical citation:  Following American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines will help you to cultivate your own unique academic voice as an expert in your field (Forbes, 2020). 

Narrative citation : Forbes (2020) shared that by following American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, students would learn to find their own voice as experts in the field of nursing. 

An example with 2 authors: 

Parenthetical citation: Research on the use of progressive muscle relaxation for stress reduction has demonstrated the efficacy of the method (Bennett & Miller, 2019). 

Narrative citation: As shared by Bennett and Miller (2019), research on the use of progressive muscle relaxation for stress reduction has demonstrated the efficacy of the method. 

An example with 3 authors: 

Parenthetical citation: Guided imagery has also been shown to reduce stress, length of hospital stay, and symptoms related to medical and psychological conditions (Jones et al., 2020).

Narrative citation: Jones et al. (2020) shared that guided imagery has also been shown to reduce stress, length of hospital stay, and symptoms related to medical and psychological conditions. 

An example with a group/corporate author: 

Parenthetical citation: Dr. Philip G. Rogers, senior vice president at the American Council on Education, was recently elected as the newest chancellor of the university (East Carolina University, 2020). 

Narrative citation: Recently shared on the East Carolina University (2020) website, Dr. Philip G. Rogers, senior vice president at the American Council on Education, was elected as the newest chancellor. 

Tips on Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is recreating someone else's ideas into your own words & thoughts, without changing the original meaning (gahan, 2020).  .

Here are some best practices when you are paraphrasing: 

• How do I learn to paraphrase? IF you are thoroughly reading and researching articles or book chapters for a paper, you will start to take notes in your own words . Those notes are the beginning of paraphrased information.
• Read the original information, PUT IT AWAY, then rewrite the ideas in your own words . This is hard to do at first, it takes practice, but this is how you start to paraphrase. 
• It's usually better to paraphrase, than to use too many direct quotes. 
• When you start to paraphrase, cite your source. 
• Make sure not to use language that is TOO close to the original, so that you are not committing plagiarism. 
• Use theasaurus.com to help you come up with like/similar phrases if you are struggling. 
• Paraphrasing (vs. using direct quotes) is important because it shows that YOU ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND the information you are reading. 
• Paraphrasing ALLOWS YOUR VOICE to be prevalent in your writing. 
• The best time to use direct quotes is when you need to give an exact definition, provide specific evidence, or if you need to use the original writer's terminology. 
• BEST PRACTICE PER PARAGRAPH: On your 1st paraphrase of a source, CITE IT. There is no need to add another in-text citation until you use a different source, OR, until you use a direct quote. 

References : 

Gahan, C. (2020, October 15). How to paraphrase sources . Scribbr.com .   https://tinyurl.com/y7ssxc6g  

Citing Direct Quotes

When should i use a direct quote in my paper .

Direct quotes should only be used occasionally: 

• When you need to share an exact definition 
• When you want to provide specific evidence or information that cannot be paraphrased
• When you want to use the original writer's terminology

From:  https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/whaddyamean/ 

Definitions of direct quotes: 

• Western Oregon University's APA Guidelines on Direct Quotes This is an excellent quick tutorial on how to format direct quotes in APA 7th edition. Bookmark this page for future reference!

Carrie Forbes, MLS

Chat with a Librarian

Chat with a librarian is available during Laupus Library's open hours . 

Need to contact a specific librarian? Find your liaison.

Call us: 1-888-820-0522 (toll free)

252-744-2230

Text us: 252-303-2343

• << Previous: Canvas Posts & Class Discussion Boards
• Next: References Page >>
• Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024 10:05 AM
• URL: https://libguides.ecu.edu/APA7

APA Citation Guide (7th edition) : Paraphrasing

• What Kind of Source Is This?
• Advertisements
• Books & eBooks
• Book Reviews
• Class Handouts, Presentations, and Readings
• Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
• Government Documents
• Images, Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables
• Journal Articles
• Magazine Articles
• Newspaper Articles
• Personal Communication (Interviews, Emails)
• Social Media
• Videos & DVDs

Paraphrasing

• Works Cited in Another Source
• No Author, No Date etc.
• Sample Paper, Reference List & Annotated Bibliography
• Powerpoint Presentations

On This Page

Paraphrasing examples.

• In-Text Citation for More Than One Author

In-Text Citation for Group or Corporate Authors

No author and/or no date.

When you write information from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion as follows:

Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt, 1993).

Note : If you refer to the author's name in a sentence you do not have to include the name again as part of your in-text citation, instead include the year of publication following his/her name:

Hunt (1993) noted that mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research after the publication of John Bowlby's studies.

Original Source

Homeless individuals commonly come from families who are riddled with problems and marital disharmony, and are alienated from their parents. They have often been physically and even sexually abused, have relocated frequently, and many of them may be asked to leave home or are actually thrown out, or alternatively are placed in group homes or in foster care. They often have no one to care for them and no one knows them intimately.

Source from: 

Rokach, A. (2005). The causes of loneliness in homeless youth. The Journal of Psychology , 139, 469-480. 

Example: Incorrect Paraphrasing

The homeless come from families with problems. Frequently, they have been physically or sexually abused, or have lived in group homes. Usually no one cares for them or knows them intimately (Rokach, 2005). 

Note : In this incorrect example the writing is too similar to the original source. The student only changed or removed a few words and has not phrased the ideas in a new way. 

Example: Correct Paraphrasing

Many homeless experience isolation in part due to suffering from abuse or neglect during their childhood (Rokach, 2005).

Note : The example keeps the idea of the original writing but phrases it in a new way.

In-Text Citation For Two or More Authors/Editors

No Known Author:

Note that in most cases where a personal author is not named, a group author may be cited instead (eg. Statistics Canada). However, in certain cases, such as religious ancient texts, the author is unknown. Where you'd normally put the author's last name, instead use the first one, two, or three words from the title. Don't count initial articles like "A", "An" or "The". You should provide enough words to make it clear which work you're referring to from your References List.

If the title in the References list is in italics, italicize the words from the title in the in-text citation.

If you are citing an article, a chapter of a book or a page from a website, put the words in double quotation marks.

Capitalize the titles using title case (every major word is capitalized) even if the reference list entry uses sentence case (only first word is capitalized).

( Cell Biology , 2012, p. 157)

("Nursing," 2011, p. 9)

No Known Date of Publication :

Where you'd normally put the year of publication, instead use the letters "n.d.".

(Smith, n.d., p. 200)

• << Previous: Quoting
• Next: Works Cited in Another Source >>
• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 11:26 AM
• URL: https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/apa

Can I use one citation at the end of a multiple sentence paragraph, or do I have to cite for every sentence?

When you summarize or paraphrase someone else's information in several sentences or more, it feels awkward to put in a citation at the end of each sentence you write. It is also awkward to read! However, technically, APA demands that your reader knows exactly what information you got from someone else and when you start using it. Thus, an end-of-paragraph citation does not meet that requirement. 

Solution:   Use a lead-in at the beginning of your paragraph . Basically, introduce the source you are summarizing or paraphrasing at the beginning of the paragraph. Then, refer back to the source when needed to ensure your reader understands you are still using the same source. 

For examples of the "bad," the "ugly," and the "good," please see below:

Bad. In this paragraph, the citation occurs only at the end, and the reader does not know exactly when/where information comes from the source. Do not do this :

Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health. They are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution. When frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland. When oddities in frog morphology appear, like frogs with five legs or two heads, one can assume something is going wrong in the wetland environment (Willemssen, 2010).

Correct, but Ugly. This paragraph is technically correct for APA, but it is difficult to read in large part because the in-text citations are intrusive and awkward :

Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health. They are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution (Willemssen, 2010). When frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland (Willemssen, 2010). When oddities in frog morphology appear, like frogs with five legs or two heads, one can also assume something is going wrong in the wetland environment (Willemssen, 2010).

Good. These paragraphs are "APA correct" and easy to read. Note the reader knows exactly when/where information from the source is used:

Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health. According to a recent study by Willemssen (2010), frogs are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution. The study notes that when frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland. When oddities in frog morphology appear, like frogs with five legs or two heads, one can assume something is going wrong in the wetland environment (Willemssen, 2010).

Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health.  Willemssen (2010) relates to research conducted recently in Wisconsin that shows that frogs are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution. Her research indicates that when frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland. Also, she finishes by noting that when oddities in frog morphology appear, like frogs with five legs or two heads, one can also assume something is going wrong in the wetland environment.

Frogs are excellent indicator species to measure wetland health.  Willemssen (2010) recently conducted research in Wisconsin that shows that frogs are very sensitive to changes in pH caused by acid rain, and they are also very sensitive to different types of pollution. Willemssen's research indicates that when frog populations in a wetland plummet, one can be sure that something is going wrong in the wetland. One very telling quote from Willemssen's research is that "87% of wetlands where two-headed frogs are found have high levels of environmental contamination" (p. 341). 

• Reading and Writing
• Last Updated Jun 08, 2021
• Views 1252511
• Answered By Kerry Louvier

FAQ Actions

• Share on Facebook

Comments (22)

• Bravo. Its people like yourself that make the internet useful! by Ryan on Aug 25, 2015
• I found this extremely helpful when writing my first APA style paper, however I do have one more question about citations that was not answered above. I'm currently assigned an APA paper in which I had to read a book and answer questions. After talking with my professor, I learned that using other sources was allowed but discouraged for this specific assignment. My question is, how can I properly cite the information in my paper when I only used the one source? As your example above, that would work very well for one paragraph. Should I use that format throughout the entirety of the paper? (Even though it looks terrible?) Sara, Librarian: Sam, Yes, we suggest that you use the same format throughout your paper - even if it looks terrible. Usually papers will have more than one source and thus not look quite so awkward. But for one source, we suggest the same format and style. by Sam on Nov 07, 2015
• Is it okay to start out with the author's last names with the date and at the end of the paragraph an intext citation? For example, Smith (2015) .... (paraphrased statements)....and at the end of the last sentence (Smith, 2015). Sara, Librarian: Your example is providing two citations for one sentence. You could do that, but it's not technically APA correct, nor is it necessary. by Hussein on Nov 13, 2015
• THANK YOU! The Purdue site that always comes up as the top result when searching for this was no help at all, but this was exactly what I needed. Having done mostly history in undergrad, I'm having a rough time transitioning to APA for grad school. by Portia on Nov 13, 2015
• What if I have to cite about 21-35 sources throughout my APA paper and I am only allowed to cite the source twice, differently and not consecutively? Sara, Librarian: Hi Kathy, APA has no minimum or maximum requirements for the citing of any one source, nor are there any reasons why you can't cite consecutively. So I'm going to assume that these are additional parameters set up by your instructor. 21-35 sources is a lot, but not uncommon in longer papers. If you have multiple sources that state similar facts, you should be able to ensure that you're not citing the same source consecutively. And varying between an in-text citation such as: "Smith (2010) said that chickens lay eggs...." and an end-of-sentence citation like: "Chickens tend to flock together (Smith, 2010, p. 2)" will count as a different type of citation for the same source. Use your best judgment, and when in doubt, ask your instructor for help or clarification. by Kathy on Apr 13, 2016
• This is so helpful. What about when reading material for your paper? There are so many research papers written in such a manner that one can't tell what part is the author's words/ideas and what part is paraphrased. How can one tell from the other. If am reading material and i find an idea/sentence in between two citations that i may want to paraphrase for in my work for example; According to Linda (2015) blah blah.......blah blah. Groups blah blah blah........blah blah. Peters (2009) noted that blah blah blah....blah. If i want to use the middle sentence "Groups blah blah blah.....blah blah" how can i know that's the authors words and not part of paraphrased work from the two cited sources? Sara, Librarian: Hi Nancy, this is a great example of a time when critical thinking skills come into play. It's not always easy to tell when an author is paraphrasing another author's work or if they are stating something in their own words. Use your best judgment in these cases. The whole idea of citing a source is to be able to point your readers to the work you used when you did your research. by Nancy on Jun 05, 2016
• When paraphrasing information from a textbook, are you required to include the textbook name as well as the author in the paragraph or just the author? Kate, Librarian: When paraphrasing and creating an in-text citation, you will use the author's name(s) and the date only. For example, (Smith, 2016). The textbook or book's title will be included in the reference page, and not in the in-text citation. by Brittany Keen on Aug 07, 2016
• That is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to articulate this. :) by Kevin on Aug 16, 2016
• Thank you. This is the first site I have seen anywhere that outlines this clearly with the bad, correct but ugly, good examples. May I ask, is this the same for MLA? Obviously you don't need to put in the year for MLA--but I mean as far as how you handle successive citations for the same source in a paragraph of paraphrase? Sara, Librarian Reply: For MLA style, Seneca Libraries actually has a great example of what the repeated use of one source in a paragraph could look like See the Seneca Libraries guide - box in the lower right corner of the page. by George--English Teacher on Dec 19, 2016
• So another question--I read on your cite as I have on the OWL that successive parenthetical citations from a print source should initially be listed as (Lastname 323). And for each parenthetical citation thereafter without changing to a new source, you can leave out the author's last name and simply put in the page number (323). Well for sources where you have no page number, can you simply leave out a citation entirely because it's understood, use a signal phrase, or just include the citation again? So...(Lastname)...(Lastname)? I'm assuming signal phrase or repeatedly citing it unlike a print source is the answer. Thank you! Sara, Librarian Reply Hi George, since Rasmussen College uses only APA for references and citations, we are not the best people to ask about MLA citations. We recommend you check out the MLA Style Center for help with citations - they have an FAQ center that may have the answers you're looking for. by George on Dec 20, 2016
• YES! This was incredibly helpful. As I was writing a focused summary for sociology, I was becoming incredibly bogged down with all the in text citations, trying to figure out if there was anyway to make it less unwieldy and awkward. This is perfect! Thanks s'much! by Weston on Jan 30, 2017
• Can I make my in-text citation possessive? Can I write, "Willemssen's (2010) study suggests ..."? Sara, Librarian Reply : Hi Kevin, yes, you can make your in-text citation possessive. Your example is spot on! by Kevin Wallace on Feb 12, 2017
• This is an excellent explanation with examples, but is specific for APA. Could it also be used for Harvard style? Sara, Librarian Reply: Yes, this could also be used for Harvard Style. Check out the University of Western Australia's example here. by Val on Mar 15, 2017
• If I am paraphrasing different aspects of one article in a single paragraph, can I introduce the introduce the author/date initially, then write the different page numbers throughout? Ex: According to Source (2017), blah blah blah............... (p. 1268). Personal commentary. Paraphrasing again, blah, blah........... (p. 1272). Sara, Librarian Reply: The short answer is no. First, paraphrased citations in APA do not require page numbers, only quotations do. Second, if you include a page number at the end of a sentence (per your example) you also need to have the Author and Date in that same citation - either at the beginning of your sentence or in the parenthesis with your page number. by Jessica on Apr 19, 2017
• I understand how to use a lead-in for a more "neat" appearance when writing a paragraph in APA style with the same source. However, must I always refer to "the study," or "the author" in each sentence? Would the following example be correct according to APA? [Name of book] is a critical review of the fashion industry (Author, 2013). The book reflects the experiences of those working in fashion design. The industry is described in a negative light throughout the text. Pay cuts and layoffs were a common occurrence in many of the companies mentioned (Author, 2013). I hope this example illustrates my question... I would like to know if I must start every sentence in the paragraph with "The author" or "She" or "The study/book/article," etc. Sara, Librarian Reply: Hi Kat, You don't need to start every sentence in the paragraph with "The author" or "She," your example (as long as it is formatted correctly in APA) would be just fine. by Kat on Sep 05, 2017
• Thank you. This site is very helpful as a faculty to help answer some of my questions and to refer students for individual and group help. by Dianne Johnson on Mar 12, 2018
• Thank you for this excellent explanation. I regularly send my students here whenever they ask about this topic. I couldn't say it any better myself. Thanks! by Emily Thornton on Oct 14, 2019
• Thank you clarifying this topic for me. This is, by far, the most informative site on APA in-text citations. by Smith, V on Dec 05, 2019
• This is the most valuable info on this issue that's I've found. Muchas Gracias! by CH on Sep 26, 2020
• This is an excellent resource, providing clear guidance to a specific but common problem for students. Thank you for your contribution to the field. by James Lamont on Jan 11, 2022
• This is extremely helpful! Thank you for being so detailed in the explanation. I think every student will benefit from this F&Q. by Brandi Dearing on Mar 06, 2022
• This is an excellent resource that I share with students I tutor all the time. Thank you for so clearly explaining this! by Quintina on May 01, 2022

Hello! We're here to help! Please log in to ask your question.

Need an answer now? Search our FAQs !

How can I find my course textbook?

You can expect a prompt response, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Central Time (by the next business day on weekends and holidays).

Questions may be answered by a Librarian, Learning Services Coordinator, Instructor, or Tutor. 

• Centennial College Libraries
• Library Guides
• 03. Academic Success Essential Guides
• Common Knowledge & Overcitation
• Getting Started
• Academic Integrity This link opens in a new window
• Academic Writer & Other APA Help
• Drop-in Workshops
• Images This link opens in a new window
• Video and Audio
• Social Media
• Government Documents
• Personal Communication with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Class Material
• Citing a Quote (Secondary Sources)
• Missing Information
• Infographic, Chart, Table, Graph, Raw Data, Maps
• Conference Papers & Presentations
• Generative Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT)

Common Knowledge

Overcitation.

Some facts and ideas are so well-known that they are considered to be common knowledge and do not need to be cited.

SPARK at York University (2013) suggests the following guidelines when you are considering whether to cite, or not:

1. If in doubt, cite

2. Always cite arguments, foundational texts and controversial information.

3. Seek advice from your instructor for further clarification.

For more information please visit SPARK's What is Common Knowledge? guidelines .

According to the APA Manual, 7th edition, overcitation (or too many in-text citations for the same source) can be "distracting and unnecessary" (p. 254).

An example of overcitation is to repeat the same citation in every sentence when the source and topic have not changed:

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. Two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited (Lambert, 2018).

Paraphrasing Over Multiple Sentences

When paraphrasing a work over multiple sentences, rather than include a citation in every sentence, the APA manual recommends citing the source in the first sentence only, and not repeating the citation as long as the source remains clear and unchanged.

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. Two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited. A process called "search engine optimization" can be used in order to push results from your website up in the Google search results.

Using the Author's Name in the Narrative

If you are citing from the same source within a paragraph and using the author's name in the narrative, you can omit the year.

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. According to Lambert, two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited.

• << Previous: Generative Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT)
• Last Updated: May 2, 2024 3:44 PM
• URL: https://libraryguides.centennialcollege.ca/apastyleguide

Paraphrasing

• Why Paraphrase?
• Paraphrasing Is a Process
• Step 1: Read
• Step 2: Take Notes
• Step 3: Think About What You Read
• Step 4: Write It In Your Own Words
• Step 5: Cite Your Source

Citing in APA

• Citing in MLA
• Paraphrasing Gone Bad Video
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (A)
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (B)
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (C)

This is what an APA citation looks like.        In-text citation:

Parents should be concerned about online advertising. These advertisers are manipulative, and children are more vulnerable than most parents expect ( Cornish, 2014, p. 454 ). 

References page:

Cornish, L. S. (2014). 'Mum, can I play on the internet?' Parents' understanding, perception and responses to online advertising designed for children. International Journal of Advertising, 33 (3), 437-473.

Citations will have different formats depending on what you're citing (a book, an article from a database, a video, etc.). Want to see more examples of APA citations? Go to OWL at Purdue .

• << Previous: Step 5: Cite Your Source
• Next: Citing in MLA >>
• Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 4:34 PM
• URL: https://libguides.sjsu.edu/paraphrasing

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Paraphrasing is one way to use a text in your own writing without directly quoting source material. Anytime you are taking information from a source that is not your own, you need to specify where you got that information.

A paraphrase is...

• Your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• One legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• A more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• It is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• It helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• The mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

• Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
• Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
• Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
• Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
• Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
• Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Some examples to compare

Note that the examples in this section use MLA style for in-text citation.

The original passage:

Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers . 2nd ed., 1976, pp. 46-47.

A legitimate paraphrase:

In research papers, students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).

An acceptable summary:

Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester 46-47).

A plagiarized version:

Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.

A note about plagiarism: This example has been classed as plagiarism, in part, because of its failure to deploy any citation. Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. However, we acknowledge that plagiarism is a difficult term to define; that its definition may be contextually sensitive; and that not all instances of plagiarism are created equal—that is, there are varying “degrees of egregiousness” for different cases of plagiarism.

If my paraphrase consists of several sentences, should a citation for the original source appear after each sentence?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

No. The citation should appear only after the final sentence of the paraphrase. If, however, it will be unclear to your reader where your source’s idea begins, include the author of the source in your prose rather than in a parenthetical citation.

For example, the following is a paraphrase from an essay by Naomi S. Baron:

Literacy consists of both reading and writing. The writing might take the form of marking up a text or making notes about it (Baron 194).

Here your reader might think that the first sentence is your idea and that Baron’s idea begins in the second sentence. For clarity, you might revise as follows:

Naomi S. Baron argues that literacy consists of both reading and writing. The writing might take the form of marking up a text or making notes about it (194).

Baron, Naomi S. “Redefining Reading: The Impact of Digital Communication Media.” PMLA , vol. 128, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 193-200.

APA Citation Style: Common Knowledge & Overcitation

• Getting Started
• Video and Audio
• Social Media
• Government Documents
• Class Material
• Secondary Sources
• Missing Info
• Infographics and Charts
• Other APA Help
• Common Knowledge & Overcitation

Common Knowledge

Some facts and ideas are so well-known that they are considered to be common knowledge and do not need to be cited.

SPARK at York University (2013) suggests the following guidelines when you are considering whether to cite, or not:

1. If in doubt, cite

2. Always cite arguments, foundational texts and controversial information.

3. Seek advice from your instructor for further clarification.

For more information please visit SPARK's What is Common Knowledge? guidelines .

Overcitation

According to the APA Manual, 7th edition, overcitation (or too many in-text citations for the same source) can be "distracting and unnecessary" (p. 254).

An example of overcitation is to repeat the same citation in every sentence when the source and topic have not changed:

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. Two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited (Lambert, 2018).

Paraphrasing Over Multiple Sentences

When paraphrasing a work over multiple sentences, rather than include a citation in every sentence, the APA manual recommends citing the source in the first sentence only, and not repeating the citation as long as the source remains clear and unchanged.

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. Two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited. A process called "search engine optimization" can be used in order to push results from your website up in the Google search results.

Using the Author's Name in the Narrative

If you are citing from the same source within a paragraph and using the author's name in the narrative, you can omit the year.

Lambert (2018) states that websites dedicated to journalism need visitors to survive. According to Lambert, two things that a website needs to do is to attract visitors, and then keep them there once they have visited.

• << Previous: Other APA Help
• Last Updated: May 29, 2024 10:20 AM
• URL: https://briarcliff.libguides.com/APA

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

How to Paraphrase APA with Multiple Authors — An APA Style Guide

Table of Contents

You should know how to paraphrase APA with multiple authors if you are a student. When writing in APA style, it’s best to paraphrase information from other sources and use direct quotes to the barest minimum.

When paraphrasing, you use your own words to say what someone else has written or said. Do not add your opinions during paraphrasing or summarizing unless it’s evident they’re different from the original author’s.

Bring up the author’s name again to clear up any confusion for the reader. Paraphrases and summaries don’t need quotation marks, but they do need the last name of the author and the year the work was published. For paraphrases and summaries, you don’t need a page number.

Here’s how to paraphrase APA with multiple authors like a pro. Ready, set, go!

How to Paraphrase APA with Multiple Authors

There are always two ways to cite a source

1. Put the author’s name in the text as part of your sentence.

2. Put the name of the author in parentheses.

Use only last names in APA in-text citations; don’t include book or article titles. The date must come right after the name of the author.

1. Text with one to two authors

• Lilian’s (1999) case study shows that shorter people are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease.
• Jude and Frances (2002) say that shorter people are more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease.

Authors in parentheses

• Women are more likely to experience depression than children (Latifah, 1999).
• Women are more likely to experience depression than men (Latifah & Frances, 2002).

2. Where there are several authors

When there are more than two authors, the APA has rules about writing their names.

In the case of 3-5 people

At the first mention of each author in the paper, write their names. After that, use et al.

• Philipa, Dmann, Gosha, and Tricia (2007) say that ethnic groups must be willing to serve the nation for the greater good of all
• Philipa et al. (2007) say that ethnic groups must… for the greater good of all

To get the most out of our various ethnic groups, society must.. (Philipa, Dmann, Gosha, & Dma, 2001).

To get the most out of our various ethnic groups, society must.. (Philipa et al., 2001).

Where there are six or more authors

Use the first author’s name, followed by “et al.”

(Dimigwe et al., 1998)

Where there are more than one reference in the same parenthesis

Sort by the author’s last name and separate with a semicolon.

(Katsina, 1995; Isiomal, Maha, & Dumelo, 1998; Paschal & Tricia, 2002; Wike, 1991)

3. Authored by Organization

If the author is an organization or government entity, cite it as you would a person in the signal phrase or parenthetical reference.

If the organization has a well-known abbreviation, include it in brackets the first time you quote it. Use the abbreviation alone in subsequent citations. Do not abbreviate several organizations whose abbreviations are the same (to avoid ambiguity).

Citation1: (Africans in Diaspora [AID], 2000)

Citation 2: (AID, 2000)

The APA Publication Manual explains how to cite authors and content providers . Occasionally, the manual won’t explain a source or author category, leaving you unsure on how to proceed.

In these circumstances, it’s permissible to apply APA citation guidelines to the new source in a consistent and sensible fashion. To do this, utilize the normal APA instructions for a similar source type. Virtual reality programs should be cited using the APA’s computer software requirements.

You may also want to see if a third-party entity provides citation instructions.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

Explore All Paraphrasing Tool Articles

Advanced & effective paraphrase simplify tool.

The paraphrase simplify tool is designed to paraphrase and simplify your text effectively. This tool can be used for in-depth…

• Paraphrasing Tool

What Is a Paraphrase Citation?

When you paraphrase, many people think you don’t have to give a citation. Understand that because you have used someone’s…

Paraphrasing Vs Summarizing: What’s the Difference?

Paraphrasing and summarizing are two similar activities, but they are not the same. To understand the difference between paraphrasing vs…

The Best Paraphrase Tools: A Review

When it comes to paraphrase tools, there are so many to choose. This is why we decided some paraphrase tool…

The Best Paraphrasing Hacks From Students Themselves

Did you have a tough concept that you had a lot of trouble understanding? Paraphrasing helps with that. But it…

What are the Best Paraphrasing Tool to Download

Paraphrasing is the process of rewriting or rephrase a sentence without changing its meaning. A paraphrasing tool allows you to…

How to Paraphrase a Paragraph

Paraphrasing is a helpful and reliable language tool whenever you are looking forward to creating new content without having many ideas of your own. Paraphrasing comes from the Greek word ‘paraphrasis’ which means “to express in your own words”. A paraphrase typically clarifies or explains the text that is already present. Paraphrasing can be quite useful for students as well as people who are looking forward to rebranding themselves in their jobs. Media creation is a job that is heavily reliant on paraphrasing paragraphs. Thus today we are going to be having a look at how one can paraphrase a paragraph correctly.

Related article: What does paraphrase mean ?

STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP PARAPHRASING SKILLS

There are a few strategies which can help you with your paraphrasing quickly including using a rewrite tool online . Even though paraphrasing is a unique acquired skill and these steps can help you get better at it every time you try your luck with it –

• Reading the text that you wish to paraphrase to its last words beforehand can help you dramatically.
• Having a dictionary by your side is a great option to easily look up meanings and synonyms of words you don’t seem to understand.
• Once you start paraphrasing keep on re-reading the text or skim it instead if you are confident with yourself.
• Pay attention to the first sentence of a paragraph because this is where usually the entirety of the article is introduced along with some unique keywords.
• While writing the paraphrased text, don’t rely entirely on sophisticated vocabulary instead try to restate the original text using your own words verbally.
• Checking the original text after you have done your paraphrasing is necessary to look out for specific quotes that you might have used from the original text, which could not be restated in your own words.

Paraphrasing a Paragraph

To paraphrase paragraphs you have to essentially find the meaning behind the passage that you are reading. This involves finding out the main arguments are the highlights that are happening in the paragraph. This would help you to better understand the situation that has been tried to be portrayed within the paragraph.

• Paraphrasing should be started by explaining small unique fragments from the original paragraph. The entirety of the new text should be built on the premise that is portrayed in the first few lines.
• The new paraphrased text should be completely different from the original paragraph but should necessarily carry the same meaning that the original author was trying to portray.
• Try to identify keywords from the paragraph within its first few lines while trying to paraphrase a paragraph. These words are pretty much what help to capture the entire essence of the paragraph.
• Once you have the keywords figured out, you can explain the rest of the story in your own words. In case you can’t change the words in the passage then you can also cite sources from the actual paragraph in the form of quotations.
• It should be kept in mind that you don’t necessarily have to change every word of the paragraph to paraphrase your text, but instead, it is the inner meaning of the passage that should be preserved.
• It is also necessary to understand that there are multiple ways to paraphrase a single paragraph. As long as you let your imagination run free, you would be able to do the same quickly.

The Importance of Citation in Paraphrasing

When engaging in paraphrasing, it is crucial to acknowledge the sources of the original content. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to explore the referenced material further.

For students and researchers who are rewording content, incorporating accurate citations is essential. This ensures that the borrowed ideas are appropriately attributed and avoids any accusations of plagiarism. Whether you are rewording paragraphs, or an entire article, it is essential to provide clear and consistent citations.

To learn more about the importance of citation in paraphrasing and to understand the appropriate citation styles for your academic or professional field, consult reputable style guides such as the APA , MLA , or Chicago Manual of Style . These resources offer comprehensive guidelines on how to cite sources accurately.

Remember, citing your sources not only adds credibility to your work but also fosters a responsible and ethical approach to knowledge sharing.

• ← Why paraphrasing is important?
• How is paraphrasing different from summarizing →

You May Also Like

How to Avoid Plagiarism in Writing: A Guide to Honest Work

Paraphrase vs Rephrase

When to Use Dashes Between Words?

🍪 We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy and Policy

The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students

This essay is about Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and how it can benefit students in their classes. It explains how Gardner’s theory recognizes diverse forms of intelligence beyond traditional measures, allowing for a more inclusive and tailored educational approach. The essay discusses how teachers can adapt their strategies to meet the varied needs of students, incorporate different assessment methods, and foster self-awareness and a growth mindset. It also highlights the broader implications of the theory for preparing students for the workforce, emphasizing the value of skills like creativity and teamwork.

How it works

Dr. Howard Gardner’s proposition of multiple intelligences, expounded in his seminal work “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences” published in 1983, heralded a paradigm shift in our comprehension of human cognition and its pedagogical ramifications. Departing from the orthodox notion of intelligence as a singular, quantifiable entity, Gardner posited intelligence as a manifold construct, encompassing an array of discrete modalities. These modalities encompass linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences. Such a comprehensive perspective holds profound implications for the educational milieu, reshaping how students engage with the learning process within the confines of the classroom.

A salient advantage of Gardner’s postulation lies in its recognition and validation of the myriad pathways through which students assimilate knowledge and manifest their comprehension. Traditional pedagogical paradigms often privilege linguistic and logical-mathematical aptitudes, yet Gardner’s framework contends that individuals excelling in domains such as music, physical activities, or interpersonal dynamics possess intelligence of equal merit. This inclusive ethos advocates for the development of curricula that accommodate diverse learning modalities, ensuring equitable opportunities for academic achievement beyond conventional norms.

By acknowledging the plurality of intelligences, educators can customize their instructional methodologies to better align with the diverse needs of their student cohort. For instance, learners exhibiting pronounced bodily-kinesthetic acumen may find conventional lecture-based instruction challenging but excel in experiential learning environments. Educators can integrate hands-on activities and empirical investigations into their pedagogical repertoire, thereby fostering heightened engagement and knowledge retention among such students. Likewise, individuals endowed with strong interpersonal intelligence stand to benefit from collaborative endeavors and group dialogues, where their adeptness in social dynamics can catalyze deeper levels of comprehension and peer interaction.

Gardner’s framework also advocates for a more individuated approach to assessment. Conventional standardized evaluations may fall short in accurately gauging the proficiencies of students, particularly those whose strengths transcend linguistic and logical-mathematical domains. Through the adoption of diverse assessment modalities such as portfolios, presentations, and practical demonstrations, educators can furnish a more holistic appraisal of students’ competencies. This not only bolsters the confidence of marginalized learners but also furnishes a more nuanced appraisal of their overall aptitude.

Moreover, a nuanced understanding of multiple intelligences can instill in students a heightened self-awareness regarding their strengths and areas for growth. Such self-awareness serves as a cornerstone for nurturing a growth-oriented mindset, wherein students perceive their capacities as mutable rather than fixed. Armed with a cognizance of their unique intelligences, students can devise strategies that leverage their strengths while concurrently endeavoring to ameliorate areas of relative weakness. This balanced approach fosters a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, skills that are indispensable in navigating the dynamic vicissitudes of the contemporary world.

The applicability of Gardner’s framework extends beyond the confines of the classroom, resonating with profound implications for the demands of the contemporary workforce. Employers increasingly prize attributes such as creativity, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, all of which find resonance within the rubric of multiple intelligences. Students educated within an ecosystem that reveres and nurtures diverse intelligences are poised to exhibit heightened adaptability, innovativeness, and efficacy in their vocational pursuits.

Critics of Gardner’s framework contend that it lacks empirical substantiation and that the intelligences it delineates are better construed as talents or proficiencies. While these critiques merit consideration, the pragmatic dividends of implementing Gardner’s framework within educational milieus are palpable. It fosters a more holistic conception of intelligence, engenders inclusivity, and propels the adoption of personalized pedagogical strategies that markedly augment student outcomes.

In summation, Dr. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences furnishes invaluable insights into the multifaceted modalities through which students acquire knowledge and demonstrate their cognitive prowess. By embracing this paradigm, educators can cultivate learning environments that are inclusive, engaging, and efficacious. This not only augurs well for academic attainment but also primes students for the exigencies of life beyond the scholastic sphere. The theory underscores the imperative of acknowledging and nurturing the diverse potentials latent within each student, thereby enriching the educational tapestry immeasurably.

It’s imperative to bear in mind that this essay serves as a springboard for further exploration and inquiry. For personalized guidance and adherence to academic conventions, consider availing the services of professionals at EduBirdie.

Cite this page

The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students. (2024, May 28). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/

"The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students." PapersOwl.com , 28 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/ [Accessed: 30 May. 2024]

"The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students." PapersOwl.com, May 28, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/

"The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students," PapersOwl.com , 28-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/. [Accessed: 30-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Practical Benefits of Dr. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory for Students . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-practical-benefits-of-dr-gardners-multiple-intelligence-theory-for-students/ [Accessed: 30-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

📕 Studying HQ

Category: nursing, integrating spirituality into nursing education and practice.

Understanding Spirituality in Healthcare Spirituality is a multidimensional concept that

Importance of Continuing Education in Nursing

Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding profession that involves providing

 Reflective Models in Nursing

Reflective models serve as indispensable frameworks in nursing, facilitating a

SNAPPS in nursing education

Mastering the SNAPPS Method for Nursing Students The SNAPPS method

Extended Problem Solving in Nursing: When and Why

Nursing is a complex and challenging profession that often requires

Could Not Find a Sample?

Check out what other students have to say about the service, have a subject expert write for you, top features, 100% plagiarism free guaranteed.

Our writers offer a 100% plagiarism free case studies and essays to the scholars. Every assignment we prepare is unique and authentic because we have a zero tolerance policy towards plagiarism.

PhD Experts & Experienced Writers

Your perfect business partner is here. Our native assignment helpers who frame term papers for graduates are Ph.D. holder from the renowned universities. We understand the students needs and draft the essays according to the university guidelines.

Cheapest Price Guarantee

At all times, our prices are always cheap. And when it comes to students, they will surely be pleasantly surprised by the affordability. If you are in need of assignments, homework, or coursework writing services, then you are in the right place!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

With their expertise and experience, our writers work with all their passion to craft a flawless assignment. We are glad to hear that our customers are satisfied with the quality of our service.

Confidentiality

A student seeking help from us can be assured that their personal information is confidential with us. We keep the confidentiality of the student's information. Hence, the customer buying essay and other assignments is safe and secure with us.

Free Assignment Revision

Our native essay writers take pride in their work and are devoted to delivering high-quality essays. We take all your comments into consideration to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the end result.

Nursing Solutions for studying nursing students.

Apa nursing paper examples​, community nursing assignments, comprehensive assessment, graphic organizer, nurse practitioner writing help, nursing care plan examples​, nursing case study examples​, nursing theories examples​, picot statements examples​, picot topics examples​, soap note examples​, sample essay solutions, windshield survey, edit my paper for me, some feedbacks, what people are saying.

Have an Expert Write Your Dissertation's Chapter

We guarantee  well-researched, properly formatted, and plagiarism-free custom homework essays solutions delivered to our clients within the discussed deadline. Multiple free amendments are also included in our service. We are incredibly keen on avoiding any chance of similarity between papers and Essay solutions.

Don’t just take our word for it, check the  reviews left by students who trusted our service for Essay solutions, papers, dissertations and homework.

• Writing Service 
• Discounts / Offers 

Study Hub: 

• Studying Blog
• Topic Ideas 
• How to Guides
• Business Studying 
• Nursing Studying 
• Literature and English Studying

Writing Tools  

• Citation Generator
• Topic Generator
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Conclusion Maker
• Research Title Generator
• Thesis Statement Generator
• Summarizing Tool
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Refund and Revision Policy

Our samples and other types of content are meant for research and reference purposes only. We are strongly against plagiarism and academic dishonesty. 

Contact Us:

📧 [email protected]

📞 +15512677917

2012-2024 © studyinghq.com. All rights reserved