LibAnswers

Paraphrasing is using the work of others, keeping the same meaning but writing in your own choice of words.
Paraphrasing is generally more highly valued by academics than direct quoting because by paraphrasing the information, you are demonstrating that thought processing has taken place; in other words, you have thought about the information and have understood what you have read.
Paraphrasing allows you to:

• Demonstrate that you understand what you have read and that you can apply this knowledge.
• Better maintain your personal style and the smooth flow of your essay.

Remember:
No matter whether you use quotations or paraphrase an author's work, you always need to give references — both in the text and in the reference list.