tefliz.com Knowing how to paraphrase is essential in academic writing and crucial for those preparing for the TOEFL Speaking exam. Effective paraphrasing requires an understanding of the original text and the ability to express the same ideas in your own words, enhancing clarity and avoiding plagiarism. This step-by-step guide will walk you through paraphrasing effectively, ensuring you can convey your understanding of source materials confidently and competently.
What is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing involves restating words and phrases of the original text while maintaining the original meaning. Unlike a summary, which only presents the main points, paraphrasing requires restating or rewriting the entire text in a new form. It’s a skill that demonstrates you’ve understood the source material and can articulate someone else’s ideas using different words and phrases in your unique way.
The Importance of Paraphrasing in the TOEFL Speaking Exam
For TOEFL candidates, paraphrasing is an essential skill that demonstrates language proficiency. Effective paraphrasing shows that you can use diverse vocabulary and varying sentence structures, key criteria in the TOEFL Speaking exam.
How to Paraphrase: Easy Steps to Follow
Here is a step-by-step guide to paraphrasing. Use this as a reference guide when practising paraphrasing during study time as part of your Test Prep.
Step 1: Read and Understand the Meaning of the Original Text
The first step in paraphrasing is to read and understand the original passage thoroughly. You cannot effectively rephrase something you do not fully comprehend. Ensure you grasp the relevant information and the overall message of the text.
Step 2: Note Key Points and Essential Information
Identify and note the key points or essential information in the original text. This will guide you when you begin to rewrite the content in your own words.
Step 3: Begin Paraphrasing
Start rewriting the text. Use synonyms where appropriate, but also change the structure of sentences. The new sentence mustn’t be too close to the original. Make sure that your sentence reflects the meaning of the original text.
Tips for Effective Paraphrasing:
- Use synonyms sparingly and wisely.
- Change the sentence structure (e.g., from active to passive voice).
- Use varying sentence structures by splitting longer sentences into shorter ones or combining short sentences together using linking words.
- Include a citation if necessary to acknowledge the source.
Step 4: Compare with the Original
Once you have paraphrased the text, compare your paraphrased text with the original. Ensure that you have not used the original author’s exact words and that the meaning remains unchanged.
Step 5: Proofread
Finally, proofread your paraphrased text. Check for grammatical errors, ensure it flows well, and adjust any parts that are too similar to the original text.
Practical Examples of Paraphrasing
Original Text:
“I can assist with cooking dinner tonight. Then I’ll do my homework”
Paraphrased Text:
“I can help make dinner tonight and then do my homework”
This example shows how vocabulary and sentence structure can be altered to create a new sentence that means the same thing as the original but looks different.
Knowing How to Paraphrase – A Useful Skill for Beyond Your TOEFL Exam
Mastering how to paraphrase is crucial for success in the TOEFL Speaking exam and beyond. Following these steps and practising regularly can enhance your ability to express complex ideas in your own words, which is a valuable skill in academic and professional settings. Remember, effective paraphrasing reflects understanding, not just substitution of words.
