Here's why:
* Prevents Plagiarism: Even if you change a few words, copying the original text's structure and vocabulary too closely still constitutes plagiarism.
* Forces Understanding: When you can't rely on the original, you need to deeply understand the meaning to accurately summarize it in your own words.
* Improves Writing: Paraphrasing without looking at the original encourages you to use a different vocabulary and sentence structure, leading to better and more engaging writing.
So, yes, it's absolutely true! Resist the temptation to peek at the original – it's the best way to ensure a proper paraphrase.