How to Paraphrase Correctly

Key insights

• Definition of Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing is the act of rewriting a specific passage from another source in one’s own words, while preserving the original meaning and not omitting any essential information.
• Five Steps to Effective Paraphrasing:
  • Understanding the Text: Read the original passage several times to fully grasp its meaning.
  • Noting Key Concepts: Jot down the main ideas or concepts of the passage.
  • Writing Your Version: Rewrite the passage in your own words without looking at the original text.
  • Comparing and Editing: Compare your paraphrased version with the original to ensure it’s sufficiently different, and make changes if necessary.
  • Citing the Source: Always cite the original source of the text, even when paraphrased.
• Four Tips for Better Paraphrasing:
  • Start Differently: Begin your paraphrased sentence at a different point from the original source.
  • Use Synonyms: Employ synonyms to express the same ideas in different words.
  • Change Sentence Structure: Alter the structure of the sentence, such as switching from active to passive voice or vice versa.
  • Modify Sentence Length: Break long sentences into shorter ones or combine short sentences into a longer sentence to vary the structure.
• Paraphrasing vs. Quoting: Paraphrasing is distinct from quoting, where quoting involves copying a source word for word. Paraphrasing requires understanding and processing the information before presenting it in a new form; one can use a paraphrasing tool for free or expert AI reworder to make it easier.
• The Importance of Paraphrasing in Academic Writing: Paraphrasing is preferred over direct quoting as it shows a deeper understanding of the source material and helps maintain the original voice of the writer in the paper. It is recommended to use quotes sparingly, such as for definitions or supporting arguments.