A quotation is the exact words of the text. A paraphrase is the same meaning in your own words. Mixing them up without labels is how wording errors creep into answers.
This lesson sits in Hadith learning support within SPM Pendidikan Islam. The lessons run in this order: teaching, application, then wording.
How do I decide between them?
Read the command word. It tells you which one the question wants.
| Question says | Use | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tuliskan, nyatakan teks, lengkapkan | Quotation | The text itself is being tested |
| Nyatakan pengajaran, jelaskan maksud | Paraphrase | Understanding is being tested |
| Huraikan dengan dalil | Both | Teaching in your words, plus the supporting text |
When both appear, put the quotation in a clear line of its own. Follow it with a sentence that begins “This teaches that” to mark where your paraphrase starts.
Worked example: the same hadith in two forms
Suppose a question says: “Explain the meaning of the hadith on intention.”
Paraphrase answer: “The hadith teaches that an act is judged by the intention behind it, so a person should check their intention before they act.”
Now suppose the question says: “Write the hadith on intention.” Here the paraphrase is not enough, and the exact prescribed text is required. The second question tests recall of the words, while the first tests understanding.
The labelling habit
Always make the boundary clear to a reader. Use quotation marks for exact words and a signal phrase for your own.
- Quoted text: put it inside quotation marks and give the source your textbook names.
- Paraphrase: begin with “The hadith teaches that” or “This means that”.
- Never put quotation marks around your own wording.
This habit costs a few words and saves marks. A marker can see what is exact and what is explained.
The mistake: a paraphrase that looks like a quotation
A student writes a close paraphrase inside quotation marks. The marker sees altered wording presented as the text.
| Weak | Better |
|---|---|
| “Every act depends on what you intended, so be careful.” (presented as the hadith) | The hadith teaches that every act depends on its intention, so a person should be careful about what they intend. |
The better version drops the quotation marks because it is not exact. If you are unsure of the exact text, paraphrase and label it.
Check yourself
Question: Explain what the hadith on guarding speech teaches. Decide if the answer should be a quotation or paraphrase, then write it.
Answer
The command word is “explain what it teaches”, so use a paraphrase.
Model answer: “The hadith teaches that a believer should speak only what is good, or stay silent.
No quotation marks are needed. If the question had said “write the hadith”, the exact prescribed text would be required, and your teacher should check your wording.
What to study next
Continue to checking text accuracy with a qualified reviewer. Then try the hadith practice set.
For help deciding what your paper expects, see online one-to-one Pendidikan Islam tuition.