Same Writing › Answering questions › Quoting and paraphrasing
Should my child quote or paraphrase?
There are two ways to use evidence from a text. Quoting copies the author's exact words inside quotation marks. Paraphrasing says the same idea in your own words, with no quotation marks. Both name where the idea came from, usually with a sentence starter like “According to the text.”
- Quote: exact words, in quotation marks.
- Paraphrase: your own words, same meaning.
- Both need a starter that credits the text.
Why schools teach it
Evidence has to be accurate and credited
Fifth graders are asked to quote accurately from a text (RI.5.1) and to paraphrase or summarize what they read (W.5.8). Middle schoolers do the same with more sources and must avoid plagiarism (W.7.8).
Quotes are best for a striking phrase or exact facts. Paraphrasing shows understanding and keeps answers from becoming a string of copied sentences.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Do you want the author's exact words, or your own?
Exact words go inside quotation marks.
QuoteSay it like you'd explain it to a friend.
ParaphraseWhich starter will you use: “The text says” or “The author explains”?
Skip this
- Changing one or two words and calling it a paraphrase.Change the sentence, not just a word.
- Quoting a whole paragraph.Quote only the words that prove the point.
- Leaving out where it came from.Both quotes and paraphrases need a starter.
See it in action
Using one sentence two ways
The text: “Honeybees visit up to 100 flowers in a single trip.”
Quote it
The article states, “Honeybees visit up to 100 flowers in a single trip.”Paraphrase it
According to the article, one bee can stop at about 100 flowers before going home.Check the paraphrase
Same meaning? ✓ Different words? ✓ Credited? ✓
Good starters: The text says, According to the author, The article explains, In paragraph 3.
Free practice sheet
Make a quote and paraphrase sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
Which is better, quoting or paraphrasing?
Neither. Use quotes for exact words that matter and paraphrases to show understanding. Teachers often want a mix.
Does a paraphrase need a citation?
Yes. The idea still came from the text, so credit it.
What's plagiarism?
Using someone's words or ideas without credit. Quotation marks and starters prevent it.
How do you cite a paragraph number?
“In paragraph 3, the author says...” Many tests ask for it.