7.5: Working with Language- Paraphrasing

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In Units 7 and 8 we are going to look at two different ways to say something in your own words: paraphrasing and summarizing. What is the difference?

When you paraphrase, you take something you have read, and you put it into your own words. You keep all the ideas from the original. Your paraphrase will be around the same length as the original.
When you summarize, you also take something you have read, and you put it into your own words. The difference is that you will only include the main ideas. Your summary will be shorter than the original.

What Is Paraphrasing?

The Questions section of Reading 2: Stop Comparing Your Life. Start Living It. asked you to check your understanding of the text by writing some sentences in your own words. When you did this, you were paraphrasing.

Often, however, you will paraphrase more than a single sentence. You may want to paraphrase a paragraph or a longer piece. It is important to remember that paraphrasing means more than simply changing a few words. You can—and should—rephrase your text in different language. This means changing the order of words and using different grammar.

Here is an example of a strong and weak paraphrase of the opening paragraph of Reading 2.

The original text

Most of us understand the foolishness of trying to compare ourselves to others. We would readily admit that no good ever comes from it. Yet, whether we are comparing our home size, paycheque, physical features, or any number of measurable (and even unmeasurable) things, we do it all the time. But there are inherent problems. (55 words)

A weak paraphrase

Most of us know the stupidity of trying to compare ourselves to other people. We would happily agree that no good ever results from it. Yet, whether we are comparing the size of our house, our income, appearance, or any number of measurable (and even unmeasurable) things, we do it constantly. But there are inherent drawbacks. (56 words)

The writer of this paraphrase has done little more than change some words (in boxes). The grammar stays the same.

A better paraphrase

Joshua Becker says we are always comparing ourselves to others. We compare things we can measure, such as how big our house is or how much money we make. We also compare things we cannot measure, such as how attractive we are. We know this is pointless, yet we still do it. This can only lead to problems for us. (60 words)

Here, the order of ideas has changed as well as the individual words. The writer of this paragraph is not afraid to make changes, but the key information stays the same. Note that the writer of this paragraph has also make it clear where these ideas come from.

Why Paraphrase?

When you are writing, you may find information that is useful to you. If you simply copy it, you are guilty of a form of academic dishonestly called plagiarism. This means using someone else’s words and passing them off as your own. (You will learn more about academic dishonesty in Unit 9.) It is better to use your own words—though you should still say where the ideas came from.

How to Paraphrase

Here is a step-by-step process for writing a good paraphrase.

1. Read the text. Make sure you understand perfectly what the author is saying. It can be helpful to explain the ideas in the text to someone else. This will show you whether or not you have fully grasped the author’s point.

2. Hide the text. Close your book, or put it somewhere where you cannot see it. Write down the author’s ideas in your own words.

3. Look at the text again. Have you included all the key points? If not, go back to your paraphrase and make any necessary changes.

4. When you are happy with the information you have given, check your writing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Be Careful!

When you are writing a paraphrase, you do not need to comment on what you have read. You do not need to add, for example, “I agree with the author” or “I think this is wrong.” The purpose of a paraphrase is simply to report on what the author says.

You Try It!

Paraphrase the following points from Reading 2. Remember to keep your version around the same length as the original.

Paraphrase 1

There is no end to the comparison game. There is an infinite number of categories upon which you can compare yourself and an almost infinite number of people to compare yourself to. Once you start down that road, you will never, ever find an end. (45 words)

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Paraphrase 2

Comparison robs you of joy. Comparing yourself to others will always cause you to regret what you aren’t, rather than allow you to enjoy who you are. It will always steal the joy and happiness that is within your reach and place it just outside of your reach instead. (49 words)

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Paraphrase 3

Realize life is not a competition. There may be times when competition is appropriate, but life is not one of them. We have all been thrown together at this exact moment on this exact planet. And the sooner we stop competing against others to “win,” the faster we can start working together to figure it out. (56 words)

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Paraphrase 4

As humans, it is in our nature to compare ourselves to others. But nothing good ever comes from it. So let’s stop comparing ourselves to others. We were not born to live their life. There is no sense wasting our life (or energy) being jealous of theirs. Instead, let’s start living our lives. Let’s determine today to be good at it. After all, we only get one shot. (68 words)

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