Paraphrasing can be a struggle when you are new to writing. What does paraphrasing even mean?

The dictionary definition is "express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity."

In everyday use, this means that a reader might re-word something they have read to make a point or provide evidence. (I paraphrased, did you notice?)

Here is an example of paraphrasing in action: 

 

Original Text
For the residents of Sugar Town, daily life is a challenge during the rainy season: simple tasks like driving to work or cooking dinner are nearly impossible when a storm moves in and the world begins to melt around them.

Incorrect Paraphrase

For Sugar Town residents, everyday life is a struggle during rainy months. Commonplace activities like driving to work or making dinner are almost impossible when there is a storm and the landscape around them melts.

What’s wrong with this paraphrase?

Only some of the language has been changed from the original text. In addition, the sentence structure and order in which the ideas appear is the same.

This section would therefore be considered plagiarism, even if it included a citation.

Correct Paraphrase

Life in Sugar Town is directly impacted by rainy weather. Since water causes the landscape to melt, it’s difficult to go about one’s daily activities, like cooking or commuting, during a storm.

What’s right about this paraphrase?

Not only have most of the words from the original text been changed, but the order of those words and the sentence structures in which they appear have as well. 

For more information check out our video here!