Extra handout for paraphrasing
What is paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing means restating the ideas of a text in your own words. The number of words used in a paraphrased version can be about the same as in the original passage. It is important to read, understand and paraphrase the text carefully so that you don’t change the author’s meanings in the original text.
Suggested Paraphrasing Methods
1. Use synonyms for the keywords in a sentence.
When you look up the words in a dictionary, you have to choose the word that is in the same part of speech of the original word.
The original version: Rain forests are often located near the equator.
The paraphrased version: Rain forests are frequently situated close to the equator.
2. Rearrange ideas in a different order as long as they still make sense.
You may change the position and organization of the phrases or clauses in the sentence.
The original version: Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand.
The paraphrased version: The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok.
3. Change from the active voice to the passive voice and vice versa.
There are two special forms for verbs called “voice”. In the active voice, the object receives the action of the verb. In the passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.
The original version: Architects can use a domed roof to conserve floor space.
The paraphrased version: A domed roof can be used by architects to conserve floor space.
4. Change the form of the keywords in a sentence.
• You may change a main verb into a noun.
The original version: One result of playing word, puzzle and trivia games is that they can improve children’s speech.
The paraphrased version: The improvement of children’s speech is one result of playing word, puzzle and trivia games.
• You may change a noun into a verb.
The original version: Parents should put restrictions on their children’s use of mobile phones.
The paraphrased version: Parents should restrict their children’s use of mobile phones.