A. Write a few paragraphs analyzing Thompson’s decisions about how to present information from different sources:
1. Skim the essay to find at least one example of a quotation and one paraphrase or summary of information gleaned from an interview or from background research.
Quotation: “Act like the lettuce is a bomb,” he says. “Imagine you’ve only five seconds to get rid of it.” (par.10) The writer had probably chosen this quotation because Pedro’s suggestion is catchy and interesting.
Paraphrase: Every several seconds Manuel bends down, grabs a head of iceberg lettuce with his left hand, and makes a quick cut with his knife in his right hand, separating the lettuce from its roots. Next, he lifts the lettuce, letting the outer leaves fall to the ground. With the blade still in his hand, he then brings the lettuce toward the gancho at his waist, and with a flick of the wrist the head is bagged and dropped onto one of the machine’s extensions. Manuel does this over and over again, explaining each movement. (par.7) This is certainly a rephrase in his own words. Thompson has rewrite the words explaining Manuel’s dedication and hard work.
2. Why do you think Thompson chooses to quote certain things and paraphrase or summarize other things? What could be a good rule of thumb for you to apply when deciding whether to quote, paraphrase, or summarize?
Thompson has chosen quotes for those statements which he did not intended to change as quotes are the exact wording for original source. Paraphrases are used in those place where he wanted to restate detailed things in his own words. Unlike the paraphrase, which presents important details, the summary presents only the most important details. There are several things which we should keep in our mind while deciding whether to quote, paraphrase or summarize. We can use the quotes for accuracy or for the memorable words, whereas paraphrase can be used to emphasize the sentences in our own words. And we can summarize to condense the passage or simplify it.
