How to Write a Paper on Paraphrasing

Choose a straightforward format for the paper and illustrate with examples.

When writing in an academic setting, it is important to know how to paraphrase. Paraphrasing means summarizing what an author says in your own words. When you write an academic paper, you will often paraphrase an author's argument from a book or academic journal article to support your own thesis. It is important always to cite your original source when you paraphrase, so you are not committing plagiarism. Writing a paper on paraphrasing can be a helpful exercise, as it forces the writer to think systematically about the paraphrasing process.

Instructions

1. Write an introduction. In your introduction, state the basic principles of paraphrasing. Explain what paraphrasing is and how it is used. Contrast paraphrasing with direct quotation.

2. Write a paragraph that offers an example of paraphrasing a long text. For instance, give instructions on how to paraphrase an entire academic journal article.

3. Write a paragraph that illustrates how to paraphrase a medium-sized text. For example, show how to paraphrase a specific paragraph or section of a book or journal article.

4. Write a paragraph on how to paraphrase a short passage. For instance, this paragraph could give instructions on how to paraphrase a single quotation from an author.

5. Write a conclusion. In the conclusion, summarize what you wrote in the whole paper. In addition, reiterate the reasons that paraphrasing is important and why it is essential for a writer to cite her sources.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to understand the difference between paraphrasing and directly quoting a source.

References

• Purdue Owl: Paraphrase Exercises