Q. Quoting, paraphrasing and summarising: what's the difference?

Direct quote

A direct quote is copied exactly from a page/section of a source, and inserted into your writing. You must place single or double quotation marks around the words. When using the Harvard style recommended in the University of Worcester assessment policy, your in-text citation should include author, year and page number to show where that quote is found in the source.

"This is a quote" (Smith, 2024, p.49). 

Paraphrase

A paraphrase is a short piece of information from a page/section of a source, which you rewrite into your own words to demonstrate your understanding and interpretation of that information. When using the Harvard style recommended in the University of Worcester assessment policy, your in-text citation should include author, year and page number to show where the original text which influenced your paraphrase is found in the source.

This is a paraphrase (Smith, 2024, p. 98).

Summary

A summary provides an overview of an idea, theory or piece of research, in your own words. This idea, theory or research might have been discussed in detail throughout an article, book chapter or other source, and therefore cannot be specifically linked to a page. When using the Harvard style recommended in the University of Worcester assessment policy, your in-text citation for the summary should include author and year only.

This is a summary (Smith, 2024).

For more guidance

If you would like to know more about how to cite and reference a quote, paraphrase or summary, please contact the Ask a Librarian team.  If you would like further guidance on how to paraphrase or summarise, please contact the Centre for Academic English and Skills.

The examples provided for in-text citing are not exhaustive, and you may need to use a style other than Harvard. Please see our referencing page for links to guides on the styles recommended for use at the University of Worcester.

The Cite Them Right website includes a basics section which covers direct quoting, paraphrasing and summarising in more detail. Here you'll find top tips and advice on plagiarism, note taking and critical reading, as well as specific guidance for referencing styles including Harvard.