Which is the primary reason elementary students learn how to paraphrase and cite information from outside sources?

The primary reason elementary students learn how to paraphrase and cite information from outside sources is to avoid plagiarism. This skill is essential for maintaining academic integrity and teaching students the importance of respecting the contributions of others. By paraphrasing correctly and providing proper citations, students learn to acknowledge the original creators of the information, thereby giving credit where it is due. This practice not only fosters ethical behavior in academic settings but also encourages students to engage critically with texts, enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

In addition, understanding how to paraphrase and cite helps students develop their writing skills and encourages them to express ideas in their own words, contributing to their overall literacy development. This builds a foundation for more advanced research and writing abilities in their future educational endeavors.