Paraphrasing is a very important skill. When you paraphrase, you take an original text, understand it carefully, and then rewrite the ideas using your own words.
Paraphrasing is a restating text giving the meaning in another form.
You paraphrase when you use text written by another person. (Rewrite the text in your own words).
Paraphrasing shows that you’ve read and understand the original text rather than repeating it word for word.
Example of Paraphrasing
To paraphrase, you have to use your own words and change the structure of the sentences.
Original:
Kenyans enjoy many sports and activities. Soccer is the most popular team sport in Kenya. Many people belong to soccer teams in their cities and towns. Track-and-field activities such as running and high jumping are very popular. Many Kenyan runners compete in races around the world. The best have won medals in the Olympics.
Paraphrased:
Sports such as soccer, running and high jumping are popular in Kenya. Kenyan runners compete internationally, and some have won Olympic medals. Soccer is a popular team sport, and many Kenyans play on soccer teams in their communities.
How do you paraphrase successfully without plagiarizing the original text or misrepresenting the meaning of the original? Follow these guidelines:
1 - Paraphrasing means putting what you have read into your own words.
2 - You paraphrase by reading something, thinking about what it means, and then restating it in your own words.
3 - Paraphrasing is a useful strategy to check to be sure that you have understood when reading something difficult or something that is important to remember.
4 - If you cannot paraphrase after reading, it is important to go back and reread to clarify information.
Paraphrasing Steps
1. Read the material (book/website) carefully.
2. Write down just key words and ideas, and set the original material aside.
3. Paraphrase using your notes, change what you read into new words. Hint: It has to sound like YOU, and not the original writer.
4. Check to be sure you have not copied.