What Is Paraphrasing? Meaning And Examples Of This Method

PARAPHRASING – In this topic, we are about to know the meaning of this method called paraphrasing and examples of how it’s applied.

According to Purdue University’s Owl, it is our own version of vital information and ideas that was written or expressed by someone else that is presented in a new way.

It is also one of the legal and proper way to borrow an idea, a text, or an information from the original source. This is also a more elaborate restating of information rather than a summary that focuses only on a single main idea.

Importance Of This Method

It is a better method than quoting an entire information from the common passage.
It aids us control the urge to use to much quotes
The mental process needed for successful paraphrasing aids us to gain the full meaning of the original.

Tips on Paraphrasing Effectively

Reread the original text until you get its full meaning
Set the passage aside and make your own paraphrase on a note card.
Write down few words below your text to remind you how you plan on using this material. Write the key word or phrase to identify the subject of your paraphrase
Review your version to make sure that both yours and the original passage expresses all the vital information accurately.
Record the source so that you can easily credit it should you choose to add the material into your paper.

Examples

Original
Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed., 1976, pp. 46-47.

Paraphrase
In research papers, students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).

Original
Giraffes like Acacia leaves and hay, and they can consume 75 pounds of food a day.

Paraphrase
A giraffe can eat up to 75 pounds of Acacia leaves and hay daily.

Original
The price of a resort vacation typically includes meals, tips and equipment rentals, which makes your trip more cost-effective.

Paraphrase
All-inclusive resort vacations can make for an economical trip.