Paraphrasing
Paraphrase properly: change vocabulary, grammar and structure while keeping the meaning — the key skill for essays, exams and avoiding plagiarism.
In this lesson you will
- Use synonyms, word-form changes and structure changes
- Keep the original meaning and cite the source
- Avoid ‘patchwriting’
Learn
A paraphrase expresses the same idea in your own words and structure. It must be accurate, complete and cited: (Lee, 2021).
Techniques (combine several): synonyms (significant → substantial), word class (rapidly increased → a rapid increase), active ↔ passive, clause order (because X, Y → Y as a result of X), general ↔ specific (cars, buses and trains → transport).
Patchwriting (changing a few words but keeping the original structure) is still plagiarism. Read, close the source, write from understanding, then check.
Keep technical terms that have no real synonym (photosynthesis, GDP). Don’t change the meaning or the strength of the claim (may must not become will).
Examples
- Original: Urban populations have grown rapidly because of rural unemployment.
- Paraphrase: A lack of jobs in the countryside has led to a sharp rise in the number of people living in cities (Ahmed, 2019).
- Patchwriting ✗: Urban populations have increased quickly due to rural unemployment.
Vocabulary
paraphrase
express the same meaning in different words
plagiarism
using others’ work without credit
patchwriting
copying structure with a few word changes
cite
give the source
accurate
correct and exact
Practice
Which is a good paraphrase of “Exercise can reduce stress”?
Speaking
Paraphrase aloud three sentences from a news article you read today, without looking back at the text.
Writing
Paraphrase this passage (70–90 words) using at least three techniques: “Although renewable energy is becoming cheaper, many countries still rely heavily on fossil fuels, largely because existing infrastructure was built for coal, oil and gas, and replacing it requires substantial investment.”
Lesson quiz
A paraphrase should…
Review
Key points
- Synonyms + word class + structure.
- Keep meaning and claim strength.
- Keep technical terms.
- Cite; avoid patchwriting.
What you learned
- ✓ I paraphrase accurately.
- ✓ I avoid plagiarism.
- ✓ I use several techniques.