Practical

Paraphrasing
Techniques

PMBS-LC Teachers Sharing and Enrichment Meeting
Introduction: Plagiarism

Plagiarism is copying someone elses ideas and representing them as your
own. Refer to the example below.

Original: An aim of a global economy is to reduce prices of all products
globally.

Paraphrase: An objective of a world economy is to reduce prices of all
products globally.

Changes: Synonyms aim objective global world

Structure Same as the original; no change in word forms or grammar.
Therefore, this attempt at paraphrasing could be considered plagiarism as
most of the original has been copied, with only a few synonyms and no
quotation marks ().
Sentence Pair A
Original:

A global economy provides an opportunity for domestic
consumers to choose from a vast array of imported goods.

Paraphrase 1:

Local consumers in a global economy can select from a large
variety of imported products.

1. Is the meaning of both sentences the same? Yes/No
2. What are the differences between the two sentences? Think
about vocabulary and grammar.
Sentence Pair B
Original:

A global economy provides an opportunity for domestic
consumers to choose from a vast array of imported goods.

Paraphrase 2:
A global economy provides a chance for domestic
shoppers to choose from a vast variety of imported
products.

1. Is the meaning of both sentences the same? Yes/No
2. What are the similarities between Paraphrase 2 and the
original sentence?
3. What are the differences?
4. Which paraphrase shows a better
understanding of the original sentence:
Paraphrase 1 or Paraphrase 2?

Discuss with your partner why you think
paraphrasing is a useful skill.
What is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is rewriting a sentence by
changing the structure and words, but not the
meaning. Therefore, a paraphrase has the
same core meaning of the original sentence,
but its grammar and some of its vocabulary
may be different.
So: it is necessary to have a good
understanding of the original before you start
paraphrasing.
Original: An aim of a global economy is to reduce prices of
all products globally.

Paraphrase: The reduction of prices of all goods around the
world is an objective of a world economy.

Changes: Synonyms
aim objective ; global world
products goods
globally around the world

Word forms: reduce (vt) reduction (nc)
Grammar: clause noun phrase
is to reduce prices The reduction of prices

Because the verb phrase (is to reduce prices) becomes a noun phrase (The
reduction of prices), the structure of the sentence changes; this noun phrase is
now the subject of the sentence.

All the different techniques were used simultaneously in this paraphrase.
Practice 1
1. There are significant disparities between
different population groups, such as between
men and women.

A. Major inequalities exist between various population
groups, for example between males and females.
B. There are many differences between men and women.
2. Education is widely regarded as a key factor
in developing a rewarding career.

A. Education is the best way to promote yourself in
your career.
B. To build a satisfactory career, many people believe
that education is an important element.
3. Globalisation has led to an increase in
international trade.

A. Globalisation has resulted in a rise in international
trade.
B. World trade has risen due to globalisation.

4. A global economy may be beneficial for the
world at large.

A. In general, the world may benefit from a global
economy.
B. Generally, a world economy may be beneficial to the
world.


5. Multinational companies have become
widespread due to the direct impact of
globalisation.

A. Multinationals have become popular because of
the direct effect of globalisation.

B. Because of the immediate effect of globalisation,
multinationals have grown internationally.

Paraphrase the sentences using the strategies
you have learned.

1. Globalisation leads to improved choice of goods and lower prices for
shoppers.
2. There is more investment in developing countries because of a world
economy.
3. The availability of world brands is beneficial for vendors and buyers.
Paraphrasing (Advanced)