Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is more than replacing synonyms

Simply replacing a few words often leaves the original structure almost unchanged.

A good paraphrase first asks what the idea means and then rebuilds it naturally.

Keep the meaning stable

You can change the form, but not the claim.

If the source says that something may happen, do not paraphrase it as something that will happen. If the source refers to some participants, do not change that to all participants.

Change the sentence structure

You can combine ideas, divide a long sentence, change the order of information or use a different grammatical structure.

The goal is not to make the sentence look different mechanically. The goal is to express the idea naturally as part of your own text.

Attribution is still necessary

Using your own words does not turn the idea into your own idea.

A paraphrase still needs attribution when it comes from a source.

Source idea

Imagine a source stating that regular exposure to different accents can improve a listener's ability to understand unfamiliar varieties of English.

Too close

Regular contact with different accents can improve a listener's ability to understand unfamiliar types of English.

Most of the structure has been copied and only a few words have been replaced.

Stronger paraphrase

The source suggests that people become better at following unfamiliar varieties of English when they regularly hear a wider range of accents.

The idea is preserved, but the wording and structure have been rebuilt.

1. Read the passage until you understand it.
2. Identify the core meaning and any important qualification.
3. Look away from the source.
4. Explain the idea as if you were telling it to someone else.
5. Write that explanation in a form that fits your own paragraph.
6. Add attribution.
7. Compare with the original and check both accuracy and similarity.

Synonym swapping

Changing 'important' to 'significant' does not create a paraphrase if the sentence is otherwise copied.

Changing the meaning

Do not make a cautious claim stronger, remove an exception or add a conclusion that the source does not support.

Using unnatural vocabulary

A thesaurus can suggest words that do not fit the register or collocation. Choose words you understand and can use naturally.

Source idea: The researchers argue that access to public transport can affect young people's independence.

Which is the strongest paraphrase?

• A. The researchers argue that access to public transportation can affect young people's independence.
• B. According to the researchers, young people may have greater independence when they can use public transport easily.
• C. Public transport definitely makes every young person independent.
• D. I think public transport is important for young people.

Answer: B. It changes the structure, keeps the original idea cautious and makes the source relationship clear.

• Understand the idea before rewriting it.
• Change structure as well as vocabulary.
• Preserve the source's meaning and level of certainty.
• Do not use unfamiliar synonyms simply to sound different.
• A paraphrased idea still needs attribution.