Paraphrasing and Summarising

The Prewriting Stage

Research is often misconstrued as the practice of transcribing information. In fact, it is a process of

asking questions and gathering information that helps you arrive at conclusions in regards to a

particular issue. By using the information you find as evidence, you can develop an effective argument.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that you should not spend too much time searching and then

wait until the last minute to start writing. As you begin your search, it is necessary to write down

observations and questions. When you find a useful source, you should take notes on what you think

it means in your own words. This way, you will not find yourself with an excessive amount of printouts

and books and no idea what to say about them. What you wish to say will flow naturally out of the pre-

writing you have already done and that prewriting will help guide your search.

Source information:

Authors: Barnet, S. and Bedau, H.

Year of Publication: 2014

Title of Work: Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument (8th

ed.) Publisher: Boston, NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Page Number: 127