What distinguishes summarization from paraphrasing?

The distinction between summarization and paraphrasing is clearly captured in the correct choice. Summarization involves condensing the main ideas and key points of a text, allowing the reader to grasp the essence of the material without the detailed examples and nuances present in the original work. It focuses on the overarching themes or the principal arguments, often resulting in a shorter version of the original content.

In contrast, paraphrasing involves rewording and rephrasing the original text while preserving the detailed information and meaning. This process retains the specifics, providing a rewritten version that is roughly the same length as the original. Through paraphrasing, the writer interprets and presents the information in their own words, ensuring clarity without omitting key details.

This understanding reinforces why summarization and paraphrasing serve different purposes in reading comprehension and text interpretation. Summarization is best for extracting the gist of a passage, while paraphrasing is useful for in-depth comprehension and restating content.