What is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is the act of rephrasing a text or speech in your own words while retaining the original meaning.
This technique is often used in writing and communication to avoid plagiarism or to clarify complex ideas. It involves carefully reading or listening to the original text and then expressing the same ideas using different words, sentence structures, and phrasing. Effective paraphrasing requires a deep understanding of the content being conveyed, as well as the ability to express it in a clear and concise way.
The Paraphrasing Process
The process of paraphrasing involves several steps.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively paraphrase a text:
Step 1: Read the Passage Several Times for Meaning
Before you can paraphrase, you need to fully understand the passage. Read it multiple times, focusing on the overall message rather than just individual words. Pay attention to:
- The author’s main point and purpose.
- Any specific details that support the main idea.
Taking time with this step is critical because if you misunderstand the original text, your paraphrase may also misrepresent it.
Key Tip: Reading aloud can help ensure you grasp the tone, structure, and emphasis of the passage.
Step 2: Note the Key Concepts
After understanding the passage, identify and list its key concepts. These are the ideas or themes that are essential to the original text. Avoid direct quotes; instead, note them in a way you understand personally, which will help you later when rephrasing.
For example:
- Ask yourself: What are the main ideas? What are the details that explain or support these ideas?
Key Tip: Use bullet points or brief phrases to summarize each concept, keeping your notes concise and clear.
Step 3: Write Your Own Version of Text Without Looking at the Original
With the key concepts in mind, try to write your version of the passage without referring back to the original. This step encourages you to rely on your understanding rather than mimic the wording or structure of the source text.
In order to paraphrase, you can:
- Start at a different point from the original.
- Use synonyms.
- Change the sentence structure.
- Break up long sentences or combine shorter ones.
Key Tip: Imagine you’re explaining the idea to someone unfamiliar with the topic to help make the paraphrase unique to your voice.
Step 4: Compare Your Text with the Original Text
Once you’ve completed your version, compare it carefully with the original to ensure:
- You haven’t inadvertently copied any phrases or unique wording.
- You’ve accurately conveyed the meaning of the passage without altering its intent.
If any part of your paraphrase is too close to the original wording, rework that section. The goal is for your version to be distinct while remaining true to the source’s intent.
Key Tip: Pay close attention to specific terminology or expressions that may require adjustment for clarity.
Step 5: Cite Your Source (In-Text Citation)
Even though your paraphrase is in your own words, it’s still based on someone else’s ideas, so proper citation is essential. Use an in-text citation (ITC) directly after your paraphrase to give credit to the original author. MLA citations typically include the author’s last name and a locator where the information was found, all in parentheses.
For example: (Smith 45)
Key Tip: MLA doesn’t use a comma between the author’s name and page number, so remember to follow the format closely to ensure accuracy.
Summary
Effective paraphrasing requires understanding, processing, and rewording the original text, followed by proper citation. By following these five steps, you can ensure that your work is both original and respectful of the sources you use.