Paraphrasing in Academic Writing

 Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is rewriting someone else's ideas in your own words without changing the meaning. A paraphrase is different from a precis or summary in that it is about the same length as the original. Often when you paraphrase, you put the original language into simpler, easier to understand language.

Characteristics of a paraphrase:

• written in your own words wherever possible;
• keeps about the same length as the original passage;
• shows that you understand the original passage;
• does not change the meaning of the original or add anything to it;
• is written in clear, correct sentences.

Writing Procedure

1. Read the passage several times.
2. Check the meaning of any unfamiliar words in a dictionary.
3. Find synonyms for important words in the passage.
4. Make notes of the main ideas in your own words.
5. Check your list of main ideas against the original passage.
6. Write from memory without looking at original.
7. Check against the original after you finish.

Revision Checklist

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my paraphrase about the same length as the original?
2. Did I include all the main points?
3. Have I accurately paraphrased the meaning of the author's words in the original passage?
4. Have I given the main ideas the same emphasis and length as in the original?
5. Is my grammar and spelling correct?

References:

Sorenson, Sharon. Webster's New World Student Writing Handbook. 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan, 1992.

Oshima, Alice and Ann Hogue. Writing Academic English. 3rd ed. White Plains, N.Y.: Longman, 1999.