Five Simple Tips for Paraphrasing in Academic Writing

In the world of academic writing, presenting a subject matter in your own words is like adding your delicious ingredients to a pot of soup. Paraphrasing allows you to make such magic—taking someone else’s words and giving them your unique flavor. Good paraphrasing is important for an excellent academic writing; bad paraphrasing can lead to accidental plagiarism (Walden University). Let’s look at some simple tips that will make you excel while paraphrasing in academic writing.

1. Understand the Message: Before you can express something differently, you need to first of all understand it. Read the original content carefully and make sure you grasp the main ideas. Changing a few words while leaving the others when you are paraphrasing is not enough. You need to understand the content fully before changing it into your own words.
2. Put it Aside: Once you have been able to understand what was written, put the book aside or close the webpage. This step is important to ensure you are not repeating the original words of the writer. Your goal is to make use of your own words, not copy and paste.
3. Write it in Your Own Words: Imagine you’re explaining the content you have just read to a friend who does not know anything about it. It’s like putting the idea in your own language, making it easier for others to understand. This ensures that you don’t mimic the writer’s words too closely.
4. Check against the Original and Adjust: You place the original contents with your paraphrased writing together to compare. Check for similarities. If you find sentences or structures that are too identical, adjust until your own writing truly reflects your understanding of the subject.
5. Cite your Source: Even though you’ve successfully paraphrased the content, remember to give credit to the original source. It’s like recognizing the chef who inspired your tasty soup. Include a citation in the right format (APA, Harvard, MLA, etc.) to reflect where you got your ideas. Also note that if your writing is too similar to the original document, and even though you cite the author of the work, your paraphrasing can be tagged as plagiarism. Ensure that you make good use of these tips in order to escape the legal implications of plagiarism.

A Little Practice

Here’s a simple passage:

Original content:

“Studying regularly is vital for one’s academic success. It helps students understand the material better and perform well in exams.”

Paraphrase:

Now, try putting this in your own words. Focus on the main ideas and make it sound like something you’d say.

After you’ve given it a shot, compare your version with the original. What did you change? What stayed the same? This practice will help you see how paraphrasing can be like telling a story in your own voice.

You can also make use of paraphrasing tools online like Grammarly, Prepostseo.com, Plagiarismremover.net, etc. These tools help you to make your own exclusive version of the material. Some of these tools can be freely accessed, while others are paid. They also provide plagiarism results so that you can easily detect the work you have plagiarized and rephrase it. Some have grammar checking and editing tools that assists you in editing your content.

In academic writing, it’s not just about saying the right things; it’s about saying them in your own way. Paraphrasing is the tool that lets you add your own ingredients to the soup. With these simple tips, you’re not just following the rules; you’re turning academic writing into a recipe with your own special touch. So, go ahead, play with words, and let your academic voice stand out!

About Author

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde is a Communication and Language Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan. She is also a creative writer, journalist and a mental health advocate. Funmilayo believes in the power of using creative words to change the world’s belief system and values.

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