Paraphrasing

On this page you can learn how to paraphrase to learn and to explain information

Paraphrasing has many uses! Sometimes it is a more concise way of citing a source, but it is also a powerful learning tool. Paraphrasing can help you check your understanding of something and help you understand something that you have read!

Paraphrasing is your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.

Paraphrasing

Your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.

Summarizing

Putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s).

Using a NVP (Noun, verb, phrases) Chart to Paraphrase

For our example, lets look at a section from Beowulf. First, you want to look for nouns (words that represent person, place, and or thing). Jot them down in order in the column marked "nouns." Then, read again and identify the verbs (actions) that go with these nouns. Note any words or phrases that complement or are related to each group of nouns and verbs.

See the chart below:

Re-read each group of words in the chart, and then re-read the original passage. Using your chart, create the paraphrase by putting the text into your own words. It might look something like this:

"People told stories of the beginning of life when God created the earth, oceans, and sky, making them beautiful. We still celebrate that time."

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