MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which term describes translating the author's words into one’s own detailed expression?

1. Summarizing

2. Paraphrasing

3. Quoting

4. Inferring

The correct answer is: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is transforming the author's words into one's own detailed expression while retaining the original meaning. This process involves not just replacing individual words with synonyms but also rephrasing the sentences and paragraphs to reflect the author's ideas in a new way that makes sense in a different context. When paraphrasing, it is essential to capture the essence and core message of the original text while presenting it through one's own linguistic style. This technique enhances comprehension and allows the reader to demonstrate their understanding of the material. In contrast, summarizing condenses the main ideas into a brief overview, which may sacrifice some detail for brevity. Quoting involves reproducing the author's exact words, maintaining the original phrasing and structure. Inferring goes beyond the text, drawing conclusions based on implied information rather than the explicit content provided by the author. Each of these options serves a different purpose in relation to understanding and communicating the author's work.