(4)+Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is a writing skill in which you "rephrase" (rewrite) information from an outside source in your own words without changing its meaning. Because you inlude in your rewriting all, or nearly all, of the content of the original passage, a paraphrase is almost as long. When paraphrasing, it is important to avoid plagiarising; that is, writing a paraphrase that is too similar to the original. A paraphrase is unacceptable when it contains the same vocabulary and sentence structure as the original.

**__Example: Original passage:__** Language is the main means of communication between people. But so many different languages have developed that language has often been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among people. For many years, people have dreamed of setting up an international, universal language which all people could speak and understand. The arguments in favour of a universal language are simple and obvious. If all people spoke the same tongue, cultural and economic ties might be much closer, and good will might increase between countries (Kispert).

**__ Paraphrase passage: __** Humans communicate through language. However, because there are so many languages in the world, language is an obstacle rather than an aid to communication. For a long time, people have wished for an international language that speakers all over the world could understand. A universal language would certainly build cultural and economic bonds. It would also create better feelings among countries (Kispert).


 * __ Source: __** Coursepack number 2