MLA style paraphrase. I know that when I paraphrase something in MLA standard I can't repeat directly what the source material says. What about going the other way? how much freedom of interpretation I have when paraphrasing?

Question

anonymous · Answer

I don't mean changing the meaning of the oroginal text but suplementing additional information that was not directly stated in original text. For example, original text refers to a person only by fuction ( secretary of state) I want my paraphase to be extra clear so I provide a name as well. or when text refers to UN charter in general I know the implied reference is to a particular Article of that charter.

anonymous · Answer

You can add that type of information as long as you're not making unwarranted assumptions.  So, if you're quoting an article that is talking about the president, and the article was written yesterday, then you could say that it's talking about Barack Obama.  This does not change the meaning, it just makes it clearer for your audience.  Changing the meaning of the source, as you point out, is all you need to worry about.  So, any time you include your own interpretations, you should be clear to differentiate them from your source(s).