Education Technology


NCTE: Exploring Paraphrasing

Activity Overview

Students will use information available on various websites to create directions for paraphrasing. They will collaborate as a class to determine directions and advice for paraphrasing, when to paraphrase, and how to cite the paraphrased information.

Before the Activity

See the attached Activity PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity.

Print the appropriate pages from the Activity for your class.

Install the LearningCheck(tm) App on the students' graphing calculators following the attached instructions.

Review the activity objectives and directions. Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students.

During the Activity

  • Distribute the appropriate pages from the Activity to your class
  • Distribute the LearningCheck(tm) file(s) to your class using TI Connect(tm) and the appropriate TI Connectivity cable
  • Follow the procedures outlined in the Activity


  • Students will:
  • Research uses and explanations of paraphrase.
  • Analyze each source to determine what information is essential for their purposes.
  • Create directions for paraphrasing appropriate to their level and class expectations.
  • Paraphrase a document individually.
  • Synthesize group members' paraphrased documents into one clear paraphrase.
  • Reflect upon the process of paraphrasing to explain steps and critique their work.
  • After the Activity

    Lead a class discussion about paraphrasing. Allow each group to share their version of paraphrase directions. Adapt these as a class exercise to create directions that fit the level and requirements of the class. Students should note these directions for future use.