Writing About History: Paraphrasing Information
As you study world history and perfect you writing skills, you will either use many primary and secondary sources. You might either quote or paraphrase these sources. Quoting is repeating exactly the words of the author or speaker. Paraphrasing is translating something into your own words. Putting something into your own words often helps you think about what you have read and makes it easier to understand and remember, especially for tests. If you are writing a report, paraphrasing will help you avoid plagiarizing, or copying the words and ideas of others without acknowledging the source.
How to Paraphrase Information
To paraphrase information, follow these steps:

1. Define the main idea of the selection.

2. Indicate the details—bits and pieces of information related to the main idea.

3. Put the main idea and details in your own words.

4. Compare your statement
with the original selection by asking questions:

· Have you written a complete thought?
· Does it make sense?
· Does it have new information that focuses on meaning?
Developing skill
Aguinaldo’s Manifesto, January 5, 1899
General Otis styles himself Military Governor of these Islands, and I protest one and a thousand times and with all the energy of my soul against such authority. I proclaim solemnly that I have not recognized either Singapore or in Hong Kong or in the Philippines, by word or in writing, the sovereignty of America over this beloved soil. On the contrary, I say that I returned to these Islands on an American warship on the 19th of May last for the express purpose of making war on the Spaniards to regain our liberty and independence. I stated this in my proclamation of the 24th of May last, and I publish it in my Manifesto addressed to the Philippine people on the 12th of June. Lastly, all this was confirmed by the American General Merritt himself, predecessor of General Otis, in his Manifesto to the Philippine people some days before he demanded the surrender of Manila from the Spanish General Jaudenes. In that Manifesto it is distinctly stated that the naval and field forces of the United States had come to give us our liberty, by subverting the bad Spanish Government, And I hereby protest against this unexpected act of the United States claiming sovereignty over these Islands. My relations with the United States did not bring me over here from Hong Kong to make war on the Spaniards for their benefit, but for the purpose of our own liberty and independence. . .
Paraphrase the Paragraph: