CSEC English Language Handout: Paraphrasing

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is the process of restating information in your own words without changing the
original meaning. It involves understanding the core idea of the text and then rephrasing it using
different vocabulary and sentence structures.

Effective paraphrasing can help improve your writing, make complex ideas clearer, and avoid
plagiarism.

Why is Paraphrasing Important?

 Clarifies complex ideas: Helps you reframe difficult concepts in simpler terms.
 Demonstrates understanding: Shows that you comprehend the material and can express
it in your own words.
 Prevents plagiarism: Ensures that you give credit to the original source while using the
information.
 Improves writing: Adds variety and fluency to your writing.

Steps for Paraphrasing

1. Read the original text carefully: Make sure you fully understand what is being said.
2. Identify the key ideas: Focus on the main message or points.
3. Use synonyms: Replace words with similar meaning. Avoid changing the meaning of the
sentence.
4. Change sentence structure: Rearrange the sentence while maintaining its original
meaning.
5. Check your work: Compare your paraphrase with the original to ensure it reflects the
same meaning and that you haven’t accidentally plagiarized.

Sample Paraphrasing

Original Text 1:

"The rainforests are essential to the health of the planet. They help regulate the climate by
absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which is critical for the survival of all living
organisms."
Paraphrase 1:

"Rainforests play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s climate. They take in carbon dioxide
and release oxygen, both of which are vital for life on Earth."

Original Text 2:

"Jamaica's economy depends heavily on tourism, agriculture, and mining. The country’s natural
beauty and cultural heritage attract millions of visitors each year, providing a steady source of
income."

Paraphrase 2:

"Tourism, agriculture, and mining are key pillars of Jamaica’s economy. The island’s scenic
landscapes and rich culture draw millions of tourists annually, contributing significantly to its
revenue."

Paraphrasing Techniques

1. Use Synonyms
Example:
Original: "The dog was very excited."
Paraphrase: "The dog was extremely enthusiastic."
2. Change the Sentence Structure
Example:
Original: "She was the first person to complete the race."
Paraphrase: "No one else completed the race before she did."
3. Break Down Complex Sentences
Example:
Original: "Although the rain was heavy, the match continued, and the players didn’t
stop."
Paraphrase: "Even though it was raining heavily, the players kept going, and the match
proceeded without interruption."
4. Use Active and Passive Voice
Example:
Original: "They built a new bridge in the city."
Paraphrase: "A new bridge was built in the city."

Practice Worksheets

Worksheet 1: Paraphrasing Practice

1. Original: "The students worked diligently on their assignments to ensure they would
receive high grades."

Paraphrase: ___________________________

2. Original: "The weather was extremely hot, and people could barely walk outside without
feeling exhausted."

Paraphrase: ___________________________

3. Original: "Despite their differences, the two countries managed to reach an agreement on
trade policies."

Paraphrase: ___________________________

4. Original: "John’s decision to move to the city was driven by his desire for a better job
opportunity."

Paraphrase: ___________________________

Worksheet 2: Paraphrasing from a Passage

Read the passage below and then paraphrase it in your own words.

Passage:

"Over the years, the internet has revolutionized communication. It has made it easier for people
to connect across vast distances and share ideas instantly. Today, almost everyone has access to
the internet, and it has become an essential tool in daily life."

Paraphrase: ___________________________

Worksheet 3: Identifying Paraphrases

Below are pairs of sentences. In each pair, decide which sentence is the paraphrase and which
one is the original.

1.
o a) "The internet has changed the way people communicate."
o b) "The way people interact with each other has been transformed by the
internet."

Answer: ____________ (original)

Answer: ____________ (original)

Tips for Effective Paraphrasing

 Don’t just replace words: It’s important to change both the words and the structure of
the sentence.
 Keep the meaning intact: The paraphrased version must convey the same message as
the original.
 Avoid too much similarity: Your paraphrase should not be too close to the original text,
even if you use synonyms.
 Practice: The more you practice paraphrasing, the easier it becomes.
Answer Sheet for Paraphrasing Worksheets

Worksheet 1: Paraphrasing Practice

1. Original: "The students worked diligently on their assignments to ensure they would
receive high grades."

Paraphrase: The students put in a lot of effort on their assignments to make sure they
would get good grades.

2. Original: "The weather was extremely hot, and people could barely walk outside without
feeling exhausted."

Paraphrase: The heat was intense, making it difficult for people to walk outside without
getting tired.

3. Original: "Despite their differences, the two countries managed to reach an agreement on
trade policies."

Paraphrase: Even though the two countries had different views, they were able to agree
on trade policies.

4. Original: "John’s decision to move to the city was driven by his desire for a better job
opportunity."

Paraphrase: John moved to the city because he wanted to find a better job.

Worksheet 2: Paraphrasing from a Passage

Passage:

"Over the years, the internet has revolutionized communication. It has made it easier for people
to connect across vast distances and share ideas instantly. Today, almost everyone has access to
the internet, and it has become an essential tool in daily life."

Paraphrase:
The internet has changed communication significantly over time. It allows people to connect
quickly and share ideas, regardless of distance. Nowadays, nearly everyone uses the internet,
making it a vital part of everyday life.
Worksheet 3: Identifying Paraphrases

1.
o a) "The internet has changed the way people communicate."
o b) "The way people interact with each other has been transformed by the
internet."

Answer: a) (original)
Answer: b) (paraphrase)

2.
o a) "The team's performance was exceptional, leading them to victory."
o b) "The team performed outstandingly, which helped them win the match."

Answer: a) (original)
Answer: b) (paraphrase)

Notes:

 The paraphrases should retain the core meaning of the original sentence while changing
the sentence structure and wording.
 Paraphrases must avoid copying phrases directly from the original text.
 The paraphrases should not change the intended message or tone.