Some time ago, I posted up an essay that I had to write but its information was out of my book so i was told to make it in my own words. I have to mail out the exam today and I still havn't gotten anywhere with it!! I've tried to understand each of the sentences but when I try to put it in my own words, they come out just like what's written in the book but with a different order...I don't know what to do!

Please please please give me some tips on how I can make the whole essay into my own words because I've tried re-phrasing but nothings working for me and I'm already behind!

Thanks a million!
-MC

First, take notes or outline the article. Do not write complete sentences.

Let these notes sit for a while; then write up your notes as you understand them.

These sites should help you.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/

http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_educational_tips_on_plagiarism_prevention.html

thank you Ms.Sue!!

-MC

You're welcome, MC.

I understand that paraphrasing can be challenging, especially when trying to rephrase an entire essay. Here are some helpful tips that can assist you in making the essay in your own words:

1. Understand the content: Make sure you fully comprehend the ideas and concepts presented in the essay. If there are any difficult or unfamiliar terms, look them up to gain a clearer understanding.

2. Break it down: Divide the essay into smaller parts, such as paragraphs or sections. By tackling one section at a time, it will be easier to rephrase the information.

3. Identify key points: Identify the main ideas and arguments in each section. Focus on understanding and retaining the meaning of these key points.

4. Use different sentence structures: Instead of simply rearranging the sentence order, try changing the sentence structures and word choices to express the ideas in your own way. Use synonyms or different adjectives to describe the same concept.

5. Add your own examples or explanations: To make the essay more personalized, consider incorporating relevant examples or explanations that are not present in the original text. This will help demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter.

6. Paraphrase sentence by sentence: Begin paraphrasing one sentence at a time, focusing on expressing the same meaning using different words and sentence structures. Compare your rephrased sentence to the original to ensure accuracy.

7. Keep practicing: Paraphrasing is a skill that gets better with practice. The more you practice, the easier it will become to convey the information in your own words.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. It may take some time and effort to master the art of paraphrasing. However, by following these tips and putting in consistent practice, you will become more confident in your ability to rephrase the information effectively. Good luck with your essay!