Step-by-Step Paraphrasing Method
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The Four-Step Method
Step 1: Read and Understand
Read the passage multiple times. Look up any unfamiliar terms. Make sure you can explain the main idea without looking at the text.
Step 2: Set Aside and Rewrite
Put the original away. Write the idea from memory in your own words. This forces you to truly process the information rather than just swapping synonyms.
Step 3: Compare and Adjust
Compare your version with the original. Check that you've preserved the meaning accurately. Ensure your wording and sentence structure are sufficiently different. A good test: your version should use different sentence structures and at least 60-70% different vocabulary.
Step 4: Cite
Always add a citation, even when paraphrasing. Paraphrased content without attribution is still plagiarism.
Techniques for Changing Structure
- Change active to passive voice (or vice versa)
- Combine or split sentences
- Reorder information (start with the conclusion, then give reasons)
- Change parts of speech (nominalize: "analyze" → "analysis")