Paraphrasing Strategies

Paraphrasing Strategies

Session Context

• Source focus: Paraphrasing in Academic Writing
• Date: November 17, 2021
• Presenter: Nicolle Bowes Cashen

Why We Paraphrase

We paraphrase to:

• avoid plagiarism
• avoid overusing direct quotations
• prove we understand the original source well enough to restate it accurately

4-Step Quality Process

1. Understand the original text fully.
2. Rewrite the idea using your own words and sentence structure.
3. Preserve meaning exactly.
4. Cite correctly (author + year, and page when required by style guide).

Safe Paraphrasing Scale

• SAFE: Meaning is accurate and structure is clearly changed.
• CAUTION: Some wording changed, but structure still too close.
• RISK: Meaning changed or citation missing.

6 Core Paraphrasing Strategies

1) Use Synonyms

Rewrite key words with accurate alternatives.

Original: "More than half of the women who attended the one-day meeting were in business with their spouses" (Bowes Cashen, 2021, p. 41).

Paraphrase: The majority of the women who went to the one-day meeting were in business with their life partners (Bowes Cashen, 2021).

More examples:

• Although the coach's strategy was slightly dangerous, the team was successful (Jones, 2020).
• Two students were expelled because of the no-fighting policy (Currie, 2019).

2) Switch to a Negative/Opposite Form

Change a key adjective/verb/noun into the opposite with negation while keeping the same meaning.

Original: "Take slow deep breaths to relax" (Smith, 2001, p. 1).

Paraphrase: Do not take fast shallow breaths to relax (Smith, 2001).

More examples:

• South Korea is not a large country compared with Canada (Brock, 2001).
• Most researchers are not ashamed of their work (Avery, 2018).

3) Switch Active and Passive

Rewrite active voice into passive voice (or the reverse).

Original (active): "A tornado destroyed the house" (Elm, 2020, p. 6).

Paraphrase (passive): The house was destroyed by a tornado (Elm, 2020).

More examples:

• The project would be finished by the team on time (Silver, 2005).
• The professor was tutoring a student when the alarm sounded (Crowell, 2016).

4) Change Word Form (Noun <-> Verb)

Nominalization and de-nominalization can create clear variation.

Original: "You have to give us your decision by tomorrow" (Jacques, 2021, p. 22).

Paraphrase: You have to decide by tomorrow (Jacques, 2021).

More examples:

• We reviewed the company's annual reports (Jacques, 2021).
• This essay gives an analysis of climate change and presents a possible solution (Bowes, 2015).

5) Combine Ideas with Conjunctions

Join short sentences using logical connectors.

Useful conjunction sets:

• Coordinating (FANBOYS): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
• Subordinating: after, although, because, before, since, unless, while

Example: Jennifer excelled at science, but her sister struggled with mathematics (Cashen, 2017).

Example: Some university classes are challenging, while others are boring (Avery, 2021).

6) Use Word Definitions

Replace a word with a short definition or explanation.

Original: "Most economic analysts predict the financial crisis will persist in the new year" (Jacques, 2009, p. 8).

Paraphrase: The majority of economic analysts believe the financial crisis will continue into next year (Jacques, 2009).

More example: Student-athlete award recipients were chosen because of very impressive performance in their sport and team contributions (Lumpston, 2021).

Citation Rules (Academic Writing)

In-text citation

• Include: author last name + year
• Common format: (Jones, 2021)
• If your citation style requires it, include page numbers for close paraphrase.

Author-first format

• According to Jones, MSVU international students are highly active (2021).

Reference list

• Add full source details according to required style (APA/MLA/Chicago).

IELTS Application Notes

• Task 1: Paraphrase the prompt sentence in the introduction accurately.
• Task 2: Paraphrase question background in the introduction without changing meaning.
• Avoid memorized templates that distort meaning.
• Avoid replacing every word; replace key chunks naturally.

Quick Self-Check Before Submission

• Did I keep the same meaning as the source?
• Did I change both vocabulary and grammar structure?
• Did I combine more than one strategy?
• Did I include the correct citation?
• Is my sentence natural and clear?

Cross-Links

• WordFormationfor_IELTS
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Beginners Guide
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Master Guide
• Connectors and Linking Words

Massive Sentence-Type Paraphrasing Bank

A) Simple Sentence -> Strong Paraphrase

1. Source: Many city residents struggle to pay high rent.

Model paraphrase: A large number of urban residents find it difficult to afford expensive housing.

1. Source: Air pollution damages public health.

Model paraphrase: Public health is harmed by deteriorating air quality.

1. Source: Online learning increases flexibility.

Model paraphrase: Digital education provides learners with greater scheduling freedom.

1. Source: Governments must reduce traffic congestion.

Model paraphrase: National authorities need to ease urban road overcrowding.

1. Source: Social media influences young people.

Model paraphrase: Adolescents are significantly shaped by social networking platforms.

B) Compound Sentence -> Strong Paraphrase

1. Source: Universities expanded quickly, and student debt rose sharply.

Model paraphrase: Higher education institutions grew rapidly, and educational borrowing increased at the same time.

1. Source: Public transport is cheaper, but it is often overcrowded.

Model paraphrase: Mass transit is more affordable; however, it is frequently too crowded during peak hours.

1. Source: The policy reduced waste, and it improved efficiency.

Model paraphrase: The reform not only lowered waste levels but also enhanced operational productivity.

1. Source: Housing costs increased, so many workers moved farther away.

Model paraphrase: Residential expenses rose dramatically, so a considerable number of employees relocated to distant suburbs.

1. Source: The city invested in rail, yet road traffic still worsened.

Model paraphrase: The municipality funded rail infrastructure, yet congestion on major roads continued to intensify.

C) Complex Sentence -> Strong Paraphrase

1. Source: Because salaries remained low, graduates delayed moving out.

Model paraphrase: Since wages stayed limited, many graduates postponed independent living.

1. Source: Although the reform was expensive, it improved long-term outcomes.

Model paraphrase: While the intervention required substantial spending, it produced better results over time.

1. Source: If schools provide mentoring, students adapt faster.

Model paraphrase: Students adjust more quickly when institutions offer structured mentorship.

1. Source: When governments ignore inequality, social tension grows.

Model paraphrase: Social pressure increases whenever public authorities fail to address inequality.

1. Source: Unless public services improve, trust will decline.

Model paraphrase: Public confidence will continue to fall unless essential services are strengthened.

D) Compound-Complex Sentence -> Strong Paraphrase

1. Source: Although inflation slowed, food prices stayed high, and low-income families still suffered.

Model paraphrase: Even though inflation moderated, food remained expensive, and vulnerable households continued to face serious hardship.

1. Source: While online classes save time, they require discipline, and many students struggle to stay focused.

Model paraphrase: Although virtual learning reduces commuting time, it demands strong self-management, and many learners find sustained concentration difficult.

1. Source: Because housing is expensive, young adults share apartments, but they still cannot save enough.

Model paraphrase: As accommodation costs remain high, young adults often co-rent properties, yet many still fail to build meaningful savings.

1. Source: If cities expand bus networks, commuting may improve, but results depend on route planning.

Model paraphrase: Commuting can improve when cities enlarge bus systems, but outcomes depend heavily on intelligent route design.

1. Source: Although healthcare funding increased, staffing shortages continued, so waiting times remained long.

Model paraphrase: Despite higher healthcare budgets, personnel shortages persisted, and consequently waiting lists stayed extensive.

E) Advanced Structure Transformations

1) Active -> Passive

Source: The committee rejected the proposal after a long debate. Model paraphrase: The proposal was rejected by the committee following an extended discussion.

2) Passive -> Active

Source: The scholarship was awarded to students from low-income backgrounds. Model paraphrase: The university awarded the scholarship to applicants from disadvantaged households.

3) Positive -> Negative Equivalent

Source: The policy was effective in reducing waste. Model paraphrase: The policy was not ineffective in cutting waste levels.

4) Cleft Sentence

Source: Strong teacher feedback improves writing quality most. Model paraphrase: What improves writing quality most is consistent, targeted teacher feedback.

5) Inversion

Source: We have rarely seen such a rapid shift in work culture. Model paraphrase: Rarely have we witnessed such an accelerated transformation in workplace culture.

6) Nominalization

Source: Companies expanded rapidly and hired more workers. Model paraphrase: Rapid corporate expansion led to substantial growth in recruitment.

7) Relative Clause Compression

Source: Students who receive regular feedback usually perform better. Model paraphrase: Students receiving regular feedback generally achieve stronger outcomes.

8) Appositive Insertion

Source: Singapore invested in transport and reduced commuting delays. Model paraphrase: Singapore, a highly urbanized city-state, invested in transport infrastructure and reduced commuter delays.

F) Long Sentence Practice (High-Band Style)

1. Source: Many governments build roads to reduce traffic, but this often encourages more car use and eventually causes more congestion.

Model paraphrase: Although many governments expand road infrastructure to relieve congestion, this strategy frequently stimulates additional private vehicle use, which eventually recreates and often intensifies the very traffic pressure it was meant to solve.

1. Source: Universities are expected to prepare students for work, yet many courses focus too much on theory and not enough on practical skills.

Model paraphrase: While universities are increasingly expected to produce job-ready graduates, a large proportion of courses still prioritize theoretical content at the expense of applied competencies needed in modern workplaces.

1. Source: Climate change affects poor communities more because they have fewer resources to adapt to disasters.

Model paraphrase: Climate-related shocks tend to affect low-income communities disproportionately, primarily because these groups possess fewer financial and institutional resources with which to adapt to extreme events.

1. Source: Technology can improve education, but if students depend on it too much, their independent thinking may weaken.

Model paraphrase: Technology can strengthen educational delivery; however, if learners become overly dependent on automated tools, their capacity for independent reasoning may gradually deteriorate.

1. Source: Public trust falls when leaders promise major reforms but deliver only small changes.

Model paraphrase: Public confidence declines when political leaders announce transformative reforms yet ultimately implement only incremental adjustments that fail to match earlier commitments.

G) Paragraph-Level Paraphrasing Samples

Sample 1

Source paragraph: City authorities frequently claim that building additional highways will reduce traffic congestion. In reality, expanded road capacity often leads to greater private car ownership, which eventually recreates the same traffic bottlenecks. Long-term congestion relief is more likely when governments integrate affordable public transport, smart land-use planning, and walkable neighborhood design.

Model paraphrase: Municipal governments often argue that widening road networks will ease urban congestion. In practice, however, extra highway space commonly encourages higher levels of car dependence, so identical bottlenecks reappear after a short period. Durable congestion reduction is far more achievable when policymakers coordinate low-cost mass transit, strategic zoning policy, and pedestrian-friendly urban design.

Sample 2

Source paragraph: The rapid growth of online learning has increased access to education for many students who cannot attend traditional classes. Nevertheless, digital education can deepen inequality when learners lack stable internet access, quiet study space, or appropriate guidance. Effective online education requires both technological tools and strong instructional support systems.

Model paraphrase: The expansion of virtual learning has widened educational access for students unable to participate in face-to-face instruction. Even so, online delivery can intensify inequality where learners do not have reliable connectivity, suitable home study conditions, or adequate academic guidance. High-quality digital education therefore depends not only on technology, but also on robust teaching and support frameworks.

Sample 3

Source paragraph: Many employers now prioritize soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, alongside technical qualifications. This shift reflects the reality that modern workplaces change rapidly, and employees must collaborate across departments and solve unfamiliar problems. Education systems that ignore these competencies risk producing graduates who are academically strong but professionally underprepared.

Model paraphrase: In addition to technical credentials, many employers now place significant value on transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability. This trend recognizes that contemporary workplaces evolve quickly, requiring staff who can work across functions and respond to novel challenges. Educational models that neglect these capacities may still produce academically capable graduates, but they often leave them insufficiently prepared for professional demands.

H) IELTS Task 2 Intro Paraphrase Drills

1. Prompt idea: Some people think governments should spend more on public transport than on roads.

Paraphrase intro line: It is often argued that public spending should prioritize mass transit systems rather than further road expansion.

1. Prompt idea: Many believe university education should be free for everyone.

Paraphrase intro line: A common view is that higher education ought to be provided at no direct cost to all citizens.

1. Prompt idea: Children spend too much time on screens.

Paraphrase intro line: It is widely claimed that children now devote an excessive amount of time to digital devices.

1. Prompt idea: Economic progress is the most important goal of a country.

Paraphrase intro line: Some argue that national development should be measured primarily through economic growth.

1. Prompt idea: Advertising influences what people buy.

Paraphrase intro line: It is frequently suggested that consumer purchasing decisions are strongly shaped by advertising.

I) Fast Weekly Drill Template

• Day 1: Rewrite 10 simple sentences into complex forms.
• Day 2: Rewrite 10 complex sentences into compound-complex forms.
• Day 3: Do 5 active/passive + 5 nominalization transformations.
• Day 4: Paraphrase one full paragraph from a news article.
• Day 5: Write 2 Task 2 introductions using only paraphrased prompt language.
• Day 6: Timed drill: 15 paraphrases in 20 minutes.
• Day 7: Error correction and refinement of awkward phrasing.