Training modules/dashboard/slides/11511-close-paraphrasing-quiz

Close paraphrasing quiz

Test yourself!

Take a look at this original (fictional) passage. Then, look at the options below. Choose the one you think is an acceptable way to present that information on Wikipedia.

Passage:

"In 1967, only 25% of eligible Boston voters supported a measure to limit the space afforded to keeping cattle in the city. Dr. Bickford's research suggests that this was on account of the confusing language on the ballot measure, and that support for the measure would have been higher had the memorandum been more clearly stated on the ballot."

How would you share this information in a Wikipedia article? '

1. "In 1967, a quarter of votes approved a measure limiting the space for cattle in Boston. Some researchers suggest this was a result of a confusing memorandum, and that more voters would have supported limiting grazing space if the ballot was more clear." (click to expand or collapse)

   INCORRECT! Though the words here are different, the general structure is the same. It starts with the year, the number of voters and what they were voting on, and so forth. The words have changed, but the structure is not original.
2. "Dr. Bickford wrote that 25% of eligible Boston voters supported a measure to limit the space afforded to cattle rearing in urban spaces." (click to expand or collapse)

   INCORRECT! Though the source of the information is clear (though technically wrong), it copies the information word for word. If this was a copyrighted text, it would be a copyright violation.
3. "Research suggests that the 1967 support for cattle grazing in Boston was the result of confused voters and unclear balloting questions." (click to expand or collapse)

   CORRECT! This is a good example of how to present information on Wikipedia, provided that you still cite the original text in the references section.
4. "Most Boston voters couldn't understand the ballot question, so most voted in favor of limiting the space cattle could use to graze in the city." (click to expand or collapse)

   INCORRECT! This is written in an original way, but be careful — the information in this sentence says the opposite of what the source says. That's why it's important to make sure you understand your material before attempting to write about it!

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