Research and Paraphrasing

Which of the following is NOT a reason to paraphrase what you read?

• to avoid plagiarism

• to make sure you understand what you read

• to show that you can memorize text

• to help clarify text

Paraphrasing can help you avoid _____________, that is taking another person's ideas or words and presenting them as your own. This is not only a serious academic offense, but it is also illegal in many cases. Use your own words when you write, and always give credit to others whose ideas you use.

• getting in trouble

• plagiarism

• cheating

• copying

When you paraphrase, you should do all of the following EXCEPT

• do not add your own opinion

• restate what the original says without changing the meaning

• make sure it is shorter than the original

• only copy a word from the text here and there

A friend tells you, "I am so mad! Jamie shared confidential information with Caroline!" You respond, "So, you're saying that you're angry that Jamie told Caroline your secret?"

When you retell information in your own words, you are __________________.

• summarizing

• paraphrasing

• being a bff

• talking

Read the sentence below. Then, answer the question.
Volcanologists spend much of their time trying to decipher clues about Earth from rocks.

Which choice below best paraphrases the sentence?

• Scientists study rocks and volcanoes to learn about volcanologists
• Volcanologists spend a lot of their time trying to figure out clues about Earth from rocks.
• Volcanologists spend much of their time trying to decipher clues about Earth from rocks.
• Volcanologists, or scientists who study volcanoes, examine rocks for clues about our planet.

Read the sentence below. Then, answer the question. 

Every day, Mount St. Helens emits steam and, although there have been no eruptions since 1985, volcanologists are monitoring its activity.
Which choice below best paraphrases the passage?

• Scientists still observe Mount St. Helens, which last erupted in 1985. The volcano gives off steam daily.
• Mount St. Helens emits steam every day, even though there have been no eruptions since 1985.
• Mount St. Helens may erupt at any moment—it's spewing out steam every day!
• Every day, Mount St. Helens emits steam. Volcanologists are monitoring its activity.

Read the sentence below. Then, answer the question.

Earth's climate has an inherent variability that makes it difficult to determine the human impact on it.
Which choice below best paraphrases the sentence?

• Earth's climate has an inherent variability that makes it difficult to determine the human impact on it.
• The climate of Earth is inherently variable, so it's hard to determine the impact of humans.
• Because Earth's climate changes naturally, it is hard to know how human activity affects it.
• People's activities greatly affect Earth's climate.

Read the sentence below. Then, answer the question.

Coral reefs and ocean plants live cooperatively—the coral organisms get their oxygen from the plants, which grow on the reef structures. This is why reefs usually grow in sunny areas near the surface.
Which choice below best paraphrases the passage?

• Coral reefs and ocean plants live cooperatively, so reefs grow in sunny areas close to the ocean's surface.
• Coral reefs and ocean plants live cooperatively, which is why reefs grow in sunny areas near the surface.
• Coral reefs are found close to the sunny ocean surface because the plants they rely on need sunlight to grow.
• Coral reefs don't need sunlight. They do, however, need oxygen, which they get from the ocean plants.