It helps us avoid copying the author's exact words
It makes our writing sound like US, not the textbook
It's an important skill for all writing and thinking!
📝 How Do We Do It?
Read the sentence carefully and think about what it means
Ask yourself: What is this really saying?
Imagine explaining it to a friend who hasn't read it
Write it down using YOUR words and YOUR voice
Check: Does my version have the same meaning?
Let's Try It Together - Example 1
📖 From the Text:
"The enormous canine consumed his meal with great rapidity."
⬇
✍️ In My Own Words:
"The big dog ate his food very quickly."
Let's Try It Together - Example 2
📖 From the Text:
"The precipitation that descended during the nocturnal hours resulted in the formation of numerous puddles on the pavement."
⬇
✍️ In My Own Words:
"The rain that fell last night made a lot of puddles on the sidewalk."
Practice #1: Your Turn! STORY
📖 From a Story:
"The elderly woman gazed longingly through the frosted window pane, observing the children frolicking in the freshly fallen snow."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"The old woman looked out the frosty window and watched the kids playing in the new snow."
Practice #2: Your Turn! INFO
📖 From an Article:
"Students who participate in extracurricular activities often demonstrate improved academic performance and enhanced social skills."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"Kids who join clubs and sports usually get better grades and are better at making friends."
Practice #3: Your Turn! STORY
📖 From a Story:
"'I absolutely refuse to tolerate such disrespectful behavior!' exclaimed the teacher, her voice reverberating throughout the classroom."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"'I won't let you act so rude!' the teacher yelled loudly so everyone in the class could hear."
Practice #4: Your Turn! INFO
📖 From a Science Text:
"The Arctic fox possesses specialized adaptations that enable it to survive in extremely frigid environments, including dense fur and compact body structure."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"Arctic foxes have thick fur and small bodies that help them stay warm in very cold places."
Practice #5: Your Turn! DESCRIPTION
📖 From a Book:
"The magnificent sunset painted the sky with brilliant hues of crimson, amber, and violet, casting a warm glow across the tranquil waters."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"The beautiful sunset made the sky red, orange, and purple, and made the calm water look warm and glowing."
Practice #6: Your Turn! SCIENCE
📖 From "Hydroelectric Power":
"Gravity causes the water to fall through the penstock inside the dam."
💭 Think: How would you explain this to a friend?🗣️ Turn and Talk: Share your version with a partner.
✨ Possible Answer:
"The force of gravity makes the water drop down through a tunnel in the dam."
🎯 Now: Your Hydroelectric Chart!
Look at the underlined details from "Hydroelectric Power"
Think about what each detail means
Ask yourself: How would I explain this to a friend?
Write the detail in YOUR OWN WORDS on your chart
Remember: Same meaning, different words!
💡 Quick Tips to Remember
❌ Don't just change one or two words - rethink the whole sentence