1. Understand the Original Sentence:
* Read it carefully: Make sure you grasp the meaning of the original sentence. Identify the key ideas and the overall point.
* Identify the subject and verb: Understanding the core action and the entity performing it is crucial.
* Look for any supporting details: These might be adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases that add to the meaning.
2. Rephrase Using Different Words:
* Use synonyms: Replace some of the original words with words that have similar meanings. Don't just change a few words; aim for a significant change in wording.
* Change the sentence structure: You can use different grammatical structures like passive voice, active voice, or different sentence patterns. For example, you could change a simple sentence to a complex sentence.
* Reorder the ideas: If possible, try re-arranging the order of information in the sentence.
3. Keep the Meaning Intact:
* Ensure the paraphrase conveys the same meaning as the original sentence. You should be able to explain how the paraphrase is equivalent to the original.
* Avoid changing the meaning: Be cautious with synonyms and restructuring; ensure the paraphrase remains faithful to the original's intent.
4. Check for Clarity and Flow:
* Read the paraphrase aloud: Does it sound natural and easy to understand?
* Check for any grammatical errors: Make sure the sentence is grammatically correct and well-structured.
Example:
Original Sentence: "The dog, a large golden retriever, playfully chased its tail in the backyard."
Paraphrased Sentence: "A big golden retriever frolicked in the backyard, merrily pursuing its own tail."
Key Points:
* You replaced "dog" with "golden retriever" and "playfully chased" with "frolicked, merrily pursuing."
* The structure was slightly changed from a simple sentence to a more complex one with a participial phrase.
* The overall meaning remains the same: A golden retriever is playing in the backyard.
Remember: Paraphrasing is not about simply changing a few words. It's about conveying the same information using different language. Practice and careful attention to the original sentence's meaning will help you master this skill!