How to Paraphrase effectively
4 Simple Rules For Paraphrasing
Notice how students who get ahead of others may know the very same thing as you and yet they get more marks, or seem to express themselves better? In part, it’s because being able to speak well does make a difference; and don’t we know of the one or two star debaters in class for whom words simply roll off their tongues effortlessly? However, when it comes to your written assignments, how do you ensure you answer your questions well? A skill that is paramount to master is paraphrasing. Paraphrasing often gets overlooked because it is something that is easily taken for granted and yet luckily for us, it can be learnt!.
What Is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is essentially rewording someone else's ideas or information into your own words, but still keeping the original meaning intact. The tricky part? You have to ensure that the content remains unique and doesn’t fall into the trap of plagiarism. Paraphrasing shows not just your ability to understand and convey an idea, but also that you can integrate that idea into your own voice and writing style. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what paraphrasing is, why it’s so important, and how you can do it correctly – all key skills that we focus on at English Prep Club.
Some confuse quoting instead of paraphrasing. Let’s get clear:
Paraphrasing: You reword the text in your style while keeping the original idea intact.
Quoting: You use the author’s exact words and enclose them in quotation marks.
Other Key Differences Between Paraphrasing and Quoting:
Length: A paraphrase is usually about the same length as the original, while a quote is just a snippet.
Purpose: You paraphrase to show understanding, and you quote to preserve powerful or essential phrasing.
Style: Paraphrasing blends smoothly into your narrative; quoting stands out more.
For example, if you're writing a General Paper essay on climate change and you paraphrase a scientific report, you’re demonstrating your ability to explain complex information in your own words. If you quote, you’re showing the original author’s voice. Both are useful, but for in-depth essays or applications, paraphrasing shows a higher level of thinking and mastery.
Why Is Paraphrasing So Important?
In the rush to churn out assignments, prepare for exams, or craft a university application, paraphrasing might seem like an extra step. But trust me, it’s essential for a few key reasons:
1. It Demonstrates Comprehension
When you paraphrase, you aren’t just mindlessly repeating someone else’s words. Instead, you’re showing that you’ve digested the content and can express it in a new way. University admissions officers love seeing this because it indicates that you’re not just a passive learner; you’re an active thinker. You also come across as someone who can synthesize and process information.
2. It Helps You Avoid Plagiarism
In academic settings, plagiarism is a serious offense. By paraphrasing instead of copying, you avoid the pitfalls of accidentally stealing someone’s intellectual property. At English Prep Club, I guide my students through best practices for paraphrasing so they can confidently turn in their essays, knowing they’ve done the right thing.
3. It Integrates Sources Smoothly
Let’s say you’re writing an academic essay and you need to back up your argument with data or theory. Paraphrasing allows you to weave these ideas into your writing naturally, making your essay or application more cohesive. Direct quotes can sometimes disrupt the flow, but paraphrasing keeps everything neat and engaging.
4. It Clarifies Complex Information
Some original sources, like scientific papers or technical documents, can be full of jargon or dense language. Paraphrasing helps simplify this information, making it more digestible for your readers. If you’re explaining complex theories in a university application or during an IELTS writing task, this can be a real asset.
5. It Encourages Critical Thinking
The process of paraphrasing forces you to pause, think, and analyze the information. What are the key points? How do they relate to your argument? What is the best way to explain them? These are all questions that strengthen your critical thinking skills.
How to Paraphrase Correctly
Step 1: Read the Text Multiple Times
Before you even start paraphrasing, make sure you fully understand the original text (and its context). Read it as many times as necessary until the ideas feel clear in your head. That said, in exams, there won’t be such a luxury so getting used to speed reading key sentences is a must.
Step 2: Highlight Key Concepts
Once you’re familiar with the text, highlight the key ideas or terms. By identifying these crucial points, you’ll have a guide for what needs to be included in your paraphrase.
Step 3: Write Down Your Version
Now comes the fun part! Write down your own version of the text. Don’t be afraid to experiment here. The goal is to capture the essence of the original but make it feel like your own.
Step 4: Compare and Revise
Once you’ve finished your paraphrase, compare it with the original. Are you too close to the source? If so, revise and rework it. The aim is for your paraphrase to feel fresh and unique while still conveying the same meaning.
Step 5: Cite Your Source
Even if you’ve written the text in your own words, you still need to give credit to the original author.
Step 6: Use a Plagiarism Checker
For essays that are not written in test centres or at school halls, there are plenty of free online plagiarism checkers that can help ensure your work is original. It’s always a good idea to double-check before submitting your work, especially for important assignments or applications.
Paraphrasing Strategies: The Four R’s
Reword: Start by identifying any keywords or phrases that mirror the original text. Find suitable synonyms or rephrase the sentence to create a fresh take.
For example, instead of writing, “Climate change affects global weather patterns,” you might say, “Shifts in global temperatures influence weather systems worldwide.”
Rearrange: Change the sentence structure for a fresh feel.
Realize: Recognize what cannot be changed, like dates or proper nouns. In these cases, it’s better to quote or leave the text as is. For example, if the text mentions a specific theory by name, like “Newton’s Law of Motion,” you’ll need to use the exact phrase.
Recheck: Review and revise to ensure it’s original, flows well, and stays true to the meaning of the source material.
Example of Paraphrasing in Action
Original Text: “Climate change is having a profound impact on weather patterns across the globe, with more frequent and severe storms, droughts, and heatwaves becoming the norm.”
Paraphrased Version: “Shifts in the Earth’s climate are dramatically altering global weather, leading to an increase in extreme events such as storms, droughts, and heatwaves.”
Do you see that the paraphrased version communicates the same ideas but in a completely different style? This version still retains the essential message of the original. Master this and you will find summary writing much easier. To my GP students, however, I would say it is better to simply highlight keyords and not paraphrase the entire question when you are tackling the Application Question.
Conclusion: Paraphrasing as a Critical Skill
Paraphrasing is more than just a technique; it’s a powerful tool for students, academics, and professionals alike. Mind you, we are already doing it day in and day out except we must now be conscious to use a variety of vocabulary to do it well since marks are involved. Whether you’re preparing for exams like the IELTS or the General Paper, or writing a winning university application, paraphrasing helps you show understanding, and makes your writing more engaging.
At English Prep Club, we specialize in teaching these essential skills. Whether you require one-to-one tutoring or enjoy learning in group classes, we can help you master the art of paraphrasing – and oh so much more, of course! You really are one step closer to your dream college! Let’s chat on your free initial consultation here!