English article writing assignment

Paraphrasing Today we are going to explore the world of paraphrasing.

Find an excerpt of text (no more than three sentences) and rewrite it in your own words. Choose one exact word or phrase from the original and place quotations around it in your own version.

1. What was the original piece mainly about? 2. What’s the one word or phrase you placed in quotations, and why did you choose to include it in your

version? 3. Who was the author and what was the source?

In writing, paraphrasing means rewording an excerpt (a block of text). The excerpt is usually a single sentence or paragraph. You might also paraphrase something you hear or see, such as a lecture or a video.

Paraphrasing is closely related to quoting and summarizing. A summary is an overview of a main idea. A quote is the exact wording of the original text in quotation marks. A paraphrase is somewhere in the middle.

When you paraphrase, you use your own words to rephrase the original thought or information.

3 Keys To Paraphrasing

Rephrase the excerpt or information in your own words with a new structure and style.

Use quotation marks around any unique phrasing copied directly from an original source.

Credit the original source (unless it’s based on very common knowledge).

Rule of Thumb

When paraphrasing, avoid using more than two or three words in a row in the same way as the original. If you want to use the exact phrasing for an expression or words, place the phrase in “quotation marks” and provide the source. More on that later.

Some tips:

1. Use synonyms to change some of the original words. 2. Change the parts of speech for some of the original words. 3. Change information that is in the active voice to the passive voice (or third person to second or first

person). 4. Change the order of how the information is presented. 5. Eliminate any unnecessary words (e.g., reduce clauses). 6. Turn simple sentences into complex sentences (e.g., create relative clauses). 7. Combine or divide thoughts or sentences to change the structure. 8. Use your own handwritten reading notes (without looking at or listening to the original source).

8. Use your own handwritten reading notes (without looking at or listening to the original source). 9. If possible, allow time to pass between reading/researching and writing.

10. Don’t forget to mention the source of the original information.

Transi!onal Words & Phrases

Transitional words and phrases are used in many types of writing, including paraphrasing. They help your writing flow and keep your reader on track. Here are some useful words and phrases to introduce your paraphrased text:

A. Explanation & Clarification

In other words, In short, To simplify, As I see it,

B. Evidence & Opinions

To put it another way, To begin, First,

C. Analysis & Examples

It has been demonstrated that As mentioned, As has been noted, Given that... Granted that... Again, For example, For instance,

__MACOSX/paraphrasing /._Paraphrasing : Ontario Literacy Course (2018).pdf