In praise of the paraphrase

Paraphrasing is a skill which is kind of tricky when you first start Uni. Often, students are under the misapprehension that paraphrasing means 'changing a few words' - swapping nouns and adjectives or shuffling things around.

Paraphrasing is, in fact, somewhat more complex than merely re-wording. It is about extracting the meaning of what has been said by reading the text, putting it aside and then asking (and noting) 'What does this really mean?'

It is important to highlight a couple of things:

• No two students' paraphrases will be the same


• Each student writer extracts the 'meaning' to suit the purpose - to support their own arguments or positions about a point-of-view


• It's ok to 'quote' a couple of colourful words in a paraphrase (see the examples below)


• Always attribute the paraphrase to a source

Example A: The text

Example B: The paraphrase

Example C: The paraphrase with interpretation

That's all for now. Best of luck!

Helen and Andrea

PS Post your questions about the art of paraphrasing by clicking 'comments'

For all students who speak English as second language

When
Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April 2008

Session Times
10.00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where
UniSA City West campus

Cost: Free

Content
English grammar, Academic speaking skills, Academic writing, Referencing, Academic reading, Online techniques for language learning and Mind mapping


Classes are held over 3 mornings and 4 afternoons for students who want to improve their English language and academic skills. You can attend any, or all of the sessions.

Please register online for the sessions you wish to attend:

http://unisanet-apppro.levels.unisa.edu.au/registerit/Students-WorkShops.asp?

(These workshops are listed under City West and designated by “AELDP” in the title)

A winning proposal

Few if any Masters students will leave their studies without having to write a research proposal for their research or minor thesis.

To write an excellent research proposal, it's best to start by thinking about the role of the proposal. The document is intended to persuade the reader that your research is worthwhile doing. In working life, this may translate into persuading a funding body or your boss to support your work. In life at university, it might mean the difference between receiving a high distinction or a credit or a grant or scholarship.

A good research proposal will have some or all of the following elements:

• A persuasive piece of writing which leaves the reader in no doubt as to the intent of and need for your research (Key sections: The significance of the problem and The literature review)
  


• A demonstration that the research proposed is do-able. While it would be impractical to solve world water shortages, you might be able to research a technology which will enable the saving of water under particular conditions in a particular location. (Key sections: The methodology and The problem or sub problems)
  


• Critical exploration of the current and key literature surrounding your topic. Critical is the most important word here. Simply providing accounts of what so-and-so said or found will not convince the reader of the need for research or the approach you are deciding to take. You must say why a finding or study was useful and examine its weaknesses, limitations and how it will be of use to your writing. (Key section: The literature review)

Finally, 'all roads must lead to your research'. This means that a research proposal must at its core, convince the reader of the need for your research.

Writing the Research Proposal is a useful read. Although written for students of Engineering Research Practice and Engineering Research Methods, it has some handy links and approaches for all research writing. A word of caution: check with your course coordinator about the headings they would like you to use. The approach suggested in this particular online resource has been taken from Leedy and Ormond (2005).

Best of luck with writing your persuasive and winning proposal.

Liz Horrocks, Andrea Duff and Helen Johnston

Learning Advisers City East and Mawson Lakes