SUMMARY AND PARAPHRASE SAMPLES

Original Passage (85 words)
Language is the main means of communication between peoples. But so many different languages have developed that language has often been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among peoples. For many years, people have dreamed of setting up an international universal language which all people could speak and understand. The arguments in favor of a universal language are economic ties might be much closer, and good will might increase between countries (Kispert).

Paraphrase (63 words, about the same length as the original)
Humans communicate through language. Because there are so many different languages, however, people around the world have a difficult time understanding one another. Some people have wished for a universal international language that speakers all over the world could understand. Their reasons are straightforward and clear. A universal language would build cultural and economic bonds. It would also create better feelings among countries (Kispert).

Unacceptable Paraphrase 1
Humans communicate through language. However, because there are so many languages in the world, language acts as an obstacle instead of as an aid to understanding. People have long wished for a universal international language that speakers all over the worl could understand. A universal langage would certainly build cultural and economic bonds. It would also create better feelings among countries. <--- It is plagiarism because the source is not cited.

Unacceptable Paraphrase 2
Language is the principal means of communication between peoples. However, because there are numerous languages, language itself has frequently been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among the world population. For many years, people have envisioned a common universal language that everyone in the world could communicate in. The reasons for having a universal language are clearly understandable. If the same tongue were spoken by all countries, they would undoubtedly become closer culturally and economically. It would probably also create good will among nations (Kispert). <--- It is plagiarism because it is too similar to the original passage.

Summary (28 words, much shorter)
People commmunicate through language; however, having different languages creates communication barriers. A universal language could bring countries together culturally and economicallly as well as increase good feelings among them (Kispert).