Paraphrasing means expressing information or ideas from other sources in your own words in a similar number of words as the source text. Paraphrasing is NOT simply replacing words with synonyms or rearranging the structure of sentences. It involves rephrasing a text substantially while retaining the original meaning. Paraphrasing involves acknowledging the original source with proper referencing.
Effective Paraphrasing Strategies
If you are having trouble paraphrasing a text effectively, try following these steps:
- Reread the original passage you wish to paraphrase, looking up any words you do not recognize until you think you understand the full meaning of and intention behind the author's words.
- Next, cover or hide the passage. Once the passage is hidden from view, write out the author's idea, in your own words, as if you were explaining it to your instructor or classmates.
- After you have finished writing, check your account of the author's idea against the original. While comparing the two, ask yourself the following questions:
Have I accurately addressed the author's ideas in a new way that is unique to my writing style and scholarly voice?
Have I tried to replicate the author's idea or have I simply changed words around in his/her original sentence(s)? - Last, include a citation, which should contain the author's name, the year, and the page or paragraph number (if available), directly following your paraphrase.
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