English Paraphrasing Notes
Definition of Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing involves restating someone else's ideas or text in
your own words while maintaining the original meaning. It is a key skill in writing that helps
avoid plagiarism and demonstrate understanding of the source material.
Steps for Effective Paraphrasing:
1. Read and Understand the Original Text:
o Thoroughly read the text to grasp its full meaning.
o Identify the main ideas and supporting details.
2. Take Notes:
o Write down key points without looking at the original text.
o Focus on the essence of the content, not the exact wording.
3. Use Your Own Words and Structure:
o Rewrite the text using different words and sentence structures.
o Ensure the new version conveys the same meaning as the original.
4. Compare with the Original:
o Check your paraphrase against the original text to ensure accuracy.
o Make sure you haven't copied phrases or sentences verbatim.
5. Cite the Source:
o Even when paraphrasing, it's important to credit the original author.
o Use proper citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) as required.
Techniques for Paraphrasing:
• Synonyms: Replace words with their synonyms (e.g., "happy" becomes "joyful").
• Change Sentence Structure: Alter the order of information or change from active to
passive voice (e.g., "The cat chased the mouse" becomes "The mouse was chased by
the cat").
• Break Long Sentences: Split complex sentences into simpler ones, or combine short
sentences into more complex structures.
• Change Word Forms: Modify the form of words, such as turning nouns into verbs
(e.g., "education" to "educate").
Examples of Paraphrasing:
• Original: "Global warming is a significant environmental issue that requires
immediate attention."
• Paraphrase: "The issue of global warming demands urgent action due to its major
impact on the environment."
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
• Copying Too Closely: Paraphrasing should not just be a few words changed here and
there.
• Losing the Original Meaning: Ensure the paraphrase reflects the same idea as the
original text.
• Overusing Synonyms: Simply substituting words without changing the structure can
make the text awkward or unclear.
Practice Paraphrasing:
1. Read a Passage:
o Start with short paragraphs from reliable sources.
2. Write Your Version:
o Without looking at the original, write down the main ideas in your own words.
3. Compare and Adjust:
o Compare your version with the original to make sure you haven’t missed any
key points and adjust as necessary.
Benefits of Paraphrasing:
• Avoids Plagiarism: Demonstrates your understanding and ability to convey
information.
• Enhances Comprehension: Helps you process and internalize the material better.
• Improves Writing Skills: Builds vocabulary and improves the ability to express
ideas clearly.
