how to paraphrase correctly?

Studies show that paraphrasing is a complex skill, especially for students learning to write academically. Research with university students in Vietnam found that explicit instruction in paraphrasing significantly improved writing quality. Another study of graduate students revealed that while many understood plagiarism conceptually, they often paraphrased at only a surface level by substituting synonyms rather than restructuring ideas. These findings suggest that true paraphrasing requires deep comprehension, not just linguistic substitution.

What Good Paraphrasing Involves?

Strong paraphrasing requires more than changing vocabulary. It involves reinterpreting an author’s ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Once written, compare your version with the original to ensure it captures the same meaning but uses different wording and structure. Always cite the original source, even if you have fully rewritten the passage. This process ensures your paraphrase is accurate, original, and ethical.

A useful approach is to read the source carefully until you fully understand it, cover the passage, and then restate the idea without looking.

Once written, compare your version with the original to ensure it captures the same meaning but uses different wording and structure. Always cite the original source, even if you have fully rewritten the passage. This process ensures your paraphrase is accurate, original, and ethical.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writers often make several errors when attempting to paraphrase. One common mistake is keeping the same sentence structure as the original while replacing only a few words, which can still constitute plagiarism. Another is altering the meaning unintentionally by changing key terms or emphasis. Some writers also forget to provide a citation, assuming a paraphrase does not need one. Reviewing the structure and ensuring that the paraphrase expresses the same idea in a new way, with proper attribution, helps avoid these pitfalls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To paraphrase effectively, start by fully understanding the original passage. Summarize it mentally or jot down the main points before attempting to write. Step away from the source, then express the idea in your own natural language and sentence rhythm. Afterward, compare your version with the original to check for accuracy and originality. Always credit the author using the proper citation format for your discipline. Practicing this process consistently will make paraphrasing a confident and natural part of your writing.

1. Understand the Source: Read the passage until you fully grasp the meaning.
2. Step Away: Hide or close the text before rewriting it.
3. Rewrite in Your Own Words: Express the idea using your natural tone and structure.
4. Compare and Adjust: Check your version against the original for accuracy and originality.
5. Cite the Source: Always give credit to the original author, even when paraphrasing.

Paraphrasing is more than simply swapping words. It is a key academic skill that shows you understand a source and can integrate its ideas into your own writing rather than merely copying.