Paraphrasing
CTE READS: Paraphrasing
Written by: Carilyn Knill, Peggy LaShier, Ann Tebo, Kathy Wooton
School: Skyline Grade Level and/or Subject: High School Length of Study: 15-30 minutes
Content Objective: TSW

Recognize the importance of paraphrasing to help understand and remember terms and
vocabulary.
Lesson or Performance Objective:
Paraphrasing – Simply put, paraphrasing is the act of translating and restating something in one’s
own words. It is a critical component of the summarizing process.
Standards Addressed:
AIMS Connection:
Strand 1: The Reading Process
Concept 6: Comprehension Strategies
PO 4. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources.
Strand 3: Comprehending Informational Text
Concept 1: Expository Text
PO 4. Organize information from both primary and secondary sources by taking notes, outlining ideas,
paraphrasing information; and by making charts, conceptual maps, learning logs and/or timelines for a research
document or other assigned tasks.
Materials, Resources and Technology Needed:
Vocabulary lists with your definitions and/or using the attached worksheets.
Instructional Procedures or Anticipatory Set:
Start out by telling the students that if they put the meanings of new information or unfamiliar
terms in their own words they will be more likely to understand and remember the concepts.
Presentation Skills
1. Practice with vocabulary terms. If you have some new words coming up in the next week,
use the included chart to type in the terms and glossary or dictionary definitions in the
appropriate columns. Have students put the definitions in their own words on the far right
column. Before moving on, have a student share his/her definition for each of the words.
An example using “Academic Vocabulary,” important concepts for students to know for
success in school is provided.
2. The last step is for them to paraphrase a short passage, which is included. This passage has
lots of “fluff” to it, so the paraphrasing should be much shorter. This would be a good
opportunity to review the process of identifying the main idea and essential details.
Assessment:
Worksheets attached or your own worksheets
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Paraphrasing
Stating the Meanings in Your Own Words
Example using important academic vocabulary
Topic : Words students need to know for success in school
Complete the final column of the chart below by putting the meaning of the
word that is defined for you into your own words.
Term
Access
Definition
The action, ability,
right, or permission to
approach, enter, or
use.
Paraphrased meaning
Assess
To determine the
value, significance, or
extent of; appraise.
Attribute
A quality belonging to
a person, thing, group,
etc. A characteristic of
something.
Component
A part, element, or
ingredient of
something.
Context
The set of
circumstances or facts
that surround a
particular event,
situation, etc.
2
Paraphrasing
Stating the Meanings in Your Own Words
Topic ________________________
Complete the final column of the chart below by putting the meaning
of the word that is defined for you into your own words.
Term
Definition
Paraphrased meaning
3
Paraphrasing
Name ____________________________
Practicing Paraphrasing
When asked to write a report, it is very tempting to copy sentences word for word
from the source. However, when this is done, the student is plagiarizing, which is against
the law, and is likely to result in a failing grade. Instead, you should paraphrase the
information. Paraphrasing simply refers to putting what someone else has said or written
into your own words. A trick to be good at paraphrasing is to not have the written
material in front of you when putting the ideas into your own words. That way you won’t
be tempted to look at and copy it! If you can learn to paraphrase using words that are
meaningful to you it is more likely that you will understand the new terms and concepts.
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