Lesson 5.2: Paraphrasing Without Copying

Introduction

Paraphrasing is an essential skill for writing at the university level. It allows you to convey information from sources while maintaining your own voice. This lesson will explore what paraphrasing is, how it differs from summarising, and the techniques you can use to create effective paraphrases. By the end of this lesson, you will understand how to write summaries and paraphrases that are genuine and correctly referenced, helping to ensure your academic integrity.

Objectives:

• Understand what paraphrasing is and how it differs from summarising.
• Learn techniques for successful paraphrasing: changing vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
• Distinguish between genuine paraphrasing and disguised copying (patchwriting).
• Maintain the original meaning while using your own unique language.
• Determine when it is more appropriate to paraphrase rather than quote directly.

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing involves rewording a specific passage from a source while maintaining the original meaning. It is not just changing a few words but requires a complete rewriting of the source material into your own language and style. This technique demonstrates your understanding of the source material and allows you to tailor the information to fit the context of your writing.

In contrast, summarising involves condensing a larger piece of text into a shorter version, highlighting only the main ideas. When you summarise, you are focusing on the overarching themes or arguments rather than the details.

Example of Paraphrasing

Original Text: “Climate change is a pressing issue that affects ecosystems and human populations worldwide.”

Paraphrase: “The issue of climate change has significant impacts on environments and communities across the globe.”

In this example, notice that the meaning remains the same, but the words and structure have been changed.

Example of Summarising

Original Text: “Climate change is a pressing issue that affects ecosystems and human populations worldwide. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, including greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.”

Summary: “Climate change is a critical global problem caused largely by human activities.”

Techniques for Effective Paraphrasing

To successfully paraphrase, there are several techniques you can employ:

1. Changing Vocabulary

One effective way to paraphrase is by replacing words with synonyms or alternative phrases. For example:

Original: “The researcher found that the results were conclusive.”

Paraphrase: “The investigator determined that the findings were definitive.”

While synonyms must be used with caution to ensure they fit the context, this technique can significantly aid in creating a unique paraphrase.

2. Changing Grammar

Altering the grammatical structure can also facilitate effective paraphrasing:

Original: “The study demonstrated that early intervention could improve outcomes.”

Paraphrase: “Early intervention demonstrated by the study may lead to better outcomes.”

3. Changing Sentence Structure

Altering the order of information or sentence format can help reshape a source:

Original: “To succeed in college, students must develop strong writing skills.”

Paraphrase: “Developing proficient writing skills is essential for students who wish to succeed in college.”

By applying a combination of these techniques, you can effectively paraphrase a wide range of sources.

Genuine Paraphrasing vs. Disguised Copying (Patchwriting)

It is critical to distinguish between genuine paraphrasing and disguised copying, commonly known as patchwriting. Patchwriting occurs when a writer alters some words but keeps much of the original text's structure and phrasing. This practice can lead to severe academic integrity issues, including plagiarism.

Example of Patchwriting

Original: “The rapid increase in urban populations leads to challenges in infrastructure.”

Patchwriting: “The fast-growing urban populations create issues in infrastructure.”

In the patchwriting example, although some changes have been made, the structure is still clingingly close to the original text, which makes it problematic.

Tips to Avoid Patchwriting

1. Read the original text thoroughly and take brief notes without looking at it, focusing on key points.
2. Understand the main idea before you start writing your paraphrase.
3. Write your paraphrase in your own words without looking back at the original text.
4. Compare your version with the original to ensure that the meaning is intact and that you have not used the original phrasing.

Maintaining Original Meaning

While paraphrasing, it is crucial to maintain the original meaning of the text. Inaccurate paraphrasing can misrepresent the source and mislead your readers. Ensure that any paraphrase accurately reflects the point the original author is making.

Example of an Inaccurate Paraphrase

Original: “The decline in bee populations poses serious risks to biodiversity and food production.”

Inaccurate Paraphrase: “Bee populations are decreasing, which is not beneficial for food production.”

In the inaccurate paraphrase, the key point about biodiversity being at risk is lost.

When to Paraphrase Rather Than Quote

Deciding whether to paraphrase or quote depends largely on the context and purpose of your writing. Here are some guidelines to help you make that decision:

1. Use Paraphrasing When:

• You need to simplify complex ideas.
• You want to integrate the information smoothly into your writing.
• The specific wording of the source is not critical.

1. Use Quoting When:

• The original wording carries special significance.
• The quote is particularly succinct or impactful.
• You want to preserve the author's unique phrasing or style.

Both techniques can complement each other in your writing, but understanding their appropriate usage will enhance the quality and credibility of your work.

Conclusion

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill that enables you to incorporate ideas from sources into your writing while ensuring originality and correctness. By mastering techniques for changing vocabulary, grammar, and structure, you can create effective paraphrases that respect the integrity of the original text. Avoid patchwriting, maintain meaning, and know when to choose paraphrasing over quoting to produce well-structured, source-based academic writing.

Study Notes

• Paraphrasing rewords material, preserving meaning without copying.
• Summarising condenses main ideas of a text into a shorter form.
• Techniques for paraphrasing include changing vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
• Genuine paraphrasing should avoid patchwriting (masked copying).
• Maintain the original meaning while expressing it in unique language.
• Choose paraphrasing to simplify ideas; use quotes for impactful wording.