Why Paraphrasing Is a Must-Teach Skill for Intermediate Learners
One of the first tasks I give my intermediate English learners is paraphrasing—and for good reason.
Here’s why it’s so powerful:
✅ Reveals vocabulary range – Can they find the right synonyms, or do they rely on the same words?
✅ Shows sentence flexibility – Can they restructure ideas while keeping the same meaning?
✅ Uncovers reasoning skills – Why did they choose this word instead of that one?
✅ Tests comprehension – If they can’t paraphrase it, do they truly understand it?
What Exactly Is Paraphrasing?
It’s rewriting an idea in your own words without changing its meaning—like a linguistic remix. Check out my in-depth guide for business email writing
Think of it like describing the number 5 without saying it directly:
- “Half of ten”
- “The fingers on one hand”
- “What comes after four but before six”
In English, paraphrasing isn’t as precise as math, but the goal is the same: Stay true to the original while making it your own.
How to Master Paraphrasing (For Professionals & Learners)
Step 1: Understand the Original Text
- Read carefully—highlight the core idea.
- Ask: What’s the key message? What can be reworded?
Step 2: Break It Down
- Split long sentences into smaller chunks.
- Simplify complex terms (but keep technical words intact).
Step 3: Use Synonyms Wisely
- Swap words like “important” → “crucial” or “essential.”
- But avoid:
- Overusing a thesaurus (e.g., changing “fast” to “expeditious” in casual speech).
- Replacing proper nouns (e.g., “Shakespeare” ≠ “that famous English playwright”).
Step 4: Change the Structure
- Switch from active → passive voice:
- “The company launched the product.” → “The product was launched by the company.”
- Rearrange clauses:
- “Because it rained, the game was canceled.” → “The game was canceled due to rain.”
Step 5: Make It Your Own
- Explain it as if teaching a colleague.
- Adjust for audience: Simplify for beginners, elaborate for experts.
Step 6: Verify the Meaning
- Compare it with the original—did you accidentally distort it?
- Avoid copying full phrases (unless quoting).
Step 7: Review & Refine
- Proofread for grammar/spelling.
- Read aloud—does it sound natural?
The Bigger Takeaway
Paraphrasing isn’t just about swapping words—it’s about reshaping ideas while keeping their essence. It’s a bridge between memorization and true fluency.
For Teachers:
- Try “Back Translation” (translate a paraphrase back to the original to spot meaning shifts).
- Use news headlines—great for concise rewording practice!
For Professionals:
Practice summarizing emails, reports, or meeting notes in your own words.