Examples of Paraphrasing

Original:

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity was once considered so controversial that it was not specifically included in his list of accomplishments when he was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for physics.

Inadequate Paraphrase:

The theory of relativity, devised by Albert Einstein, was originally considered so controversial that it was not mentioned in Einstein's list of accomplishments when he won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1921.

Adequate Paraphrase:

When physicist Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in 1921, his theory of relativity had still not been universally accepted; thus, it was not cited as the basis for the award.

Original:

In 1968 the Kerner Commission released a report that talked of two Americas, one black, one white, separate and unequal.

Change the Structure:

There were two Americas, one black, one white, separate and unequal, according to the 1968 Kerner Commission report.

Change the Wording:

There were two very different and unequal Americas, a white America and a black America, according to the Kerner Commission's 1968 report.

Document the Paraphrase:

There were two very different and unequal Americas, a white America and a black America, according to the Kerner Commission's 1968 report (Quindlen E17).

Quindlen reminds us that there were two very different and unequal Americas, a white America and a black America, according to the Kerner Commission's 1968 report (E17).