Responsible Source Paraphrasing | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: During an academic tutoring session, a student and tutor discuss how to paraphrase sources responsibly and cite ideas even when wording changes..

EN → FR / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Responsible Source Paraphrasing to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Je crains que mes paraphrases restent trop proches des sources.

zhuh KREHN kuh may pah-rah-FRAHZ rehst troh PROHSH day SOORS. I worry that my paraphrases stay too close to the sources.
B

Un bon test consiste à vérifier si la structure de la phrase a changé.

uhn bohn tehst kohn-SEEST ah vay-ree-FYAY see lah struk-TUR duh lah FRAHZ ah shahn-ZHAY. A useful test is whether the sentence structure has changed.
A

Parfois, je change le vocabulaire, mais je garde la logique originale.

pahr-FWAH, zhuh SHAHNZH luh voh-kah-byu-LAIR, may zhuh GARD lah loh-ZHEEK oh-ree-zhee-NAHL. Sometimes I change vocabulary but keep the original logic.
B

Dans ce cas, la paraphrase peut encore dépendre trop fortement de la source.

dahn suh KAH, lah pah-rah-FRAHZ puh ahn-KOR day-pahn-DRUH troh fort-uh-MAHN duh lah SOORS. Then the paraphrase may still depend too heavily on the source.
A

Je devrais probablement refermer l'article avant de rédiger.

zhuh duh-VRAY proh-bah-bluh-MAHN ruh-fair-MAY lar-TEEKL ah-VAHN duh ray-dee-ZHAY. I should probably close the article before drafting.
B

Cela peut t'obliger à reconstruire l'idée avec tes propres mots.

suh-LAH puh toh-blee-ZHAY ah ruh-kohn-STRWEER lee-DAY ah-VEK tay PROH-pr moh. That can force you to reconstruct the idea in your own terms.
A

Je devrais aussi citer les affirmations, même si la formulation est différente.

zhuh duh-VRAY oh-SEE see-TAY lay zah-feer-mah-SYOHN, mem see lah for-myoo-lah-SYOHN ay dee-fay-RAHNT. I should also cite claims even when the wording differs.
B

C'est essentiel, car les idées doivent aussi être attribuées.

say ay-sahn-see-EL, kar lay zee-DAY dwahv oh-SEE EH-truh ah-tree-BWEH. That is essential, because ideas require attribution too.

Word by Word

Je "Je" means "I" here and identifies the speaker as the subject of "Je crains". It commonly appears before a verb when stating your own thoughts, feelings, or actions.
crains "crains" expresses worry or fear in "Je crains que mes paraphrases restent trop proches des sources." The pattern "Je crains que" introduces something the speaker is concerned about, such as a possible problem in academic writing.
que "que" introduces the clause describing what the speaker fears in "Je crains que mes paraphrases restent trop proches des sources." The reusable pattern "Je crains que" connects a concern to a following situation.
mes "mes" means "my" before the plural noun "paraphrases". It links the paraphrases to the speaker and is useful when referring to several things belonging to or produced by oneself.
paraphrases "paraphrases" refers to rewritten versions of source material in "mes paraphrases". In this lesson, it is used when discussing academic writing and responsible reformulation of sources.
restent "restent" means "remain" or "stay" in "mes paraphrases restent trop proches des sources." The pattern "rester" followed by a description explains that something continues to have a particular quality.
trop "trop" means "too" in "restent trop proches des sources", showing that the closeness is excessive. It commonly comes before an adjective or adverb when describing an excessive degree.
proches "proches" means "close" in the sense of being too similar to the sources in "restent trop proches des sources." The expression "trop proches des sources" is useful when evaluating how much a rewritten text still resembles its sources.
des "des" means "the" in "des sources" and introduces the plural noun phrase referring to the sources. The pattern "des" followed by a plural noun is used when referring to several specific items.
sources "sources" refers to the original academic materials used for information in "des sources." It is useful in contexts involving research, evidence, articles, or published material.
Un "Un" means "a" in "Un bon test", presenting one useful test. It commonly introduces one singular item or method being mentioned for the first time.
bon "bon" means "good" or "useful" in "Un bon test", describing the test as suitable for checking the paraphrase. The pattern "Un bon" followed by a noun can introduce a practical recommendation.
test "test" means a check or method for evaluating something in "Un bon test." Here it refers to a way of checking whether the sentence structure has changed.
consiste "consiste" explains what the useful test involves in "Un bon test consiste à vérifier si la structure de la phrase a changé." The pattern "consiste à vérifier" states that a method involves carrying out a particular check.
à "à" links "consiste" to the action "vérifier" in "consiste à vérifier." The pattern "consister à" is used to explain what an activity, method, or process involves.
vérifier "vérifier" means to check or verify in "consiste à vérifier si la structure de la phrase a changé." The pattern "vérifier si" is useful when checking whether a condition or situation is true.
si "si" means "whether" in "vérifier si la structure de la phrase a changé", introducing the point being checked. The pattern "vérifier si" is common when reporting the result of an investigation or test.
la "la" means "the" before "structure" in "la structure de la phrase." It introduces a specific singular noun that is already clear from the discussion.
structure "structure" refers to the arrangement of the sentence in "la structure de la phrase." In academic writing, it is useful for discussing how ideas and sentences are organized.
de "de" means "of" in "la structure de la phrase", linking the structure to the sentence it belongs to. The pattern "structure de" identifies what kind of structure is being discussed.
phrase "phrase" means "sentence" in "la structure de la phrase." It is useful when discussing sentence construction, wording, or changes made during paraphrasing.
a "a" contributes the meaning "has" in "la structure de la phrase a changé." Together with "changé", it states that a change has occurred; the pattern "a changé" can describe a completed change.
changé "changé" means "changed" in "la structure de la phrase a changé." It appears with "a" in the expression "a changé", which is useful for reporting that wording, structure, or another feature is no longer the same.
Parfois "Parfois" means "sometimes" and introduces an occasional practice in "Parfois, je change le vocabulaire, mais je garde la logique originale." It is useful at the beginning of a sentence when describing something that happens on some occasions.
change "change" means "change" in "je change le vocabulaire." It describes the speaker altering the vocabulary while discussing a paraphrase; the pattern "je change" can introduce the thing being altered.
le "le" means "the" before "vocabulaire" in "le vocabulaire." It introduces a specific singular noun, here the vocabulary used in the paraphrase.
vocabulaire "vocabulaire" means the vocabulary or word choices in "je change le vocabulaire." It is useful when discussing which words are selected in writing or speech.
mais "mais" means "but" and contrasts changing the vocabulary with keeping the original logic in "je change le vocabulaire, mais je garde la logique originale." It commonly links two actions or ideas that differ from each other.
garde "garde" means "keep" or "retain" in "je garde la logique originale." The pattern "je garde" can describe something that remains unchanged while another part is modified.
logique "logique" means "logic" in "la logique originale", referring to the reasoning or organization of the original source. It is useful when discussing whether an argument has been preserved.
originale "originale" means "original" and describes "la logique" in "la logique originale." It identifies the logic as belonging to the original source rather than being newly reconstructed.
Dans "Dans" means "in" in the expression "Dans ce cas", which means "in that case" here. The expression is useful for introducing a conclusion or consequence based on what was just said.
ce "ce" contributes "that" in "Dans ce cas", referring to the situation just described. Together, "Dans ce cas" points back to a preceding condition or example.
cas "cas" means "case" in "Dans ce cas", referring to the situation under discussion. The expression "Dans ce cas" is commonly used before explaining what follows from a situation.
paraphrase "paraphrase" refers to one paraphrase in "la paraphrase peut encore dépendre trop fortement de la source." Here it is the rewritten text whose relationship to the source is being evaluated.
peut "peut" means "can" or "may" in "la paraphrase peut encore dépendre trop fortement de la source", expressing a possibility rather than a certainty. The pattern "peut" followed by an infinitive is useful for describing what may happen.
encore "encore" means "still" in "peut encore dépendre trop fortement de la source", showing that the problem may remain after the vocabulary has changed. It commonly appears with a verb when a situation continues.
dépendre "dépendre" means "depend" in "peut encore dépendre trop fortement de la source." The pattern "dépendre de" identifies the person, thing, or source on which something relies.
fortement "fortement" means "heavily" or "strongly" in "dépendre trop fortement de la source", describing the degree of dependence. It is useful as an adverb when explaining how strongly one thing relies on another.
source "source" means "source" in "de la source", referring to the original material on which the paraphrase may rely. It is useful in academic contexts when identifying where an idea or piece of information comes from.
devrais "devrais" expresses "should" in "Je devrais probablement refermer l'article avant de rédiger." The pattern "Je devrais" is useful for stating a recommended action or a step the speaker believes would be appropriate.
probablement "probablement" means "probably" in "Je devrais probablement refermer l'article avant de rédiger", making the recommendation less absolute. It can be placed with a statement when the speaker considers something likely.
refermer "refermer" means to close the article in "refermer l'article avant de rédiger", after using it as a source. The pattern "refermer" followed by an object is useful when describing closing something before beginning another activity.
l'article "l'article" means "the article" and refers to the source material being read. The form "l'article" is used before this vowel-initial noun, and the phrase is useful when discussing reading or consulting a particular article.
avant "avant" means "before" in "avant de rédiger", placing the closing of the article earlier than the drafting activity. The pattern "avant de" followed by an infinitive expresses that one action happens before another.
rédiger "rédiger" means to draft or write in "avant de rédiger." It is useful for describing the preparation of a written text, especially an academic text, after deciding what to say.
Cela "Cela" means "that" and refers to the suggested action of closing the article in "Cela peut t'obliger à reconstruire l'idée avec tes propres mots." The pattern "Cela peut" is useful for explaining a possible result of something just mentioned.
t'obliger "t'obliger" means "force you" in "Cela peut t'obliger à reconstruire l'idée avec tes propres mots." It identifies the learner as the person affected, and the pattern "t'obliger à" introduces the action someone is compelled to take.
reconstruire "reconstruire" means to reconstruct or rebuild the idea in "t'obliger à reconstruire l'idée avec tes propres mots." The pattern "obliger à reconstruire" describes making someone develop an idea again rather than copying its original wording.
l'idée "l'idée" means "the idea" in "reconstruire l'idée avec tes propres mots", referring to the meaning taken from the source. It is useful when discussing the content that must be understood and expressed again.
avec "avec" means "with" in "avec tes propres mots", indicating the means used to express the idea. The pattern "avec" followed by a noun can explain what someone uses to carry out an action.
tes "tes" means "your" in "tes propres mots", referring to the words of the person being addressed. It is useful before a plural noun when talking directly to someone about several things connected with them.
propres "propres" means "own" in "tes propres mots", emphasizing that the words belong to the learner's own expression. The pattern "tes propres" followed by a plural noun highlights personal authorship or choice.
mots "mots" means "words" in "avec tes propres mots." The expression is useful when explaining that an idea should be expressed using one's own wording rather than copied language.
aussi "aussi" means "also" in "Je devrais aussi citer les affirmations", adding citation to the other recommended steps. It commonly appears near the verb when adding another action or point.
citer "citer" means "cite" in "Je devrais aussi citer les affirmations." The pattern "citer" followed by the material being cited is useful in academic writing when giving credit for claims or ideas.
les "les" means "the" before the plural noun "affirmations" in "citer les affirmations." It introduces the specific claims under discussion.
affirmations "affirmations" means "claims" in "citer les affirmations", referring to statements or propositions taken from a source. It is useful in academic contexts when identifying statements that need supporting references.
même "même" adds the meaning "even" in "même si la formulation est différente", emphasizing that citation is still needed despite a change in wording. The pattern "même si" introduces a condition that does not change the main requirement.
formulation "formulation" means "wording" in "la formulation est différente", referring to how the idea is expressed rather than to the idea itself. It is useful when comparing the language of a source with a paraphrase.
est "est" means "is" in "la formulation est différente", linking the wording to its description. The pattern "noun est adjective" is useful for describing a feature or state of something.
différente "différente" means "different" in "la formulation est différente", stating that the wording does not remain the same. It is useful when comparing two versions of a sentence or expression.
C'est "C'est" means "that is" in "C'est essentiel", presenting an evaluation of the preceding point about citation. The pattern "C'est" followed by an adjective is useful for stating the importance or character of a situation.
essentiel "essentiel" means "essential" in "C'est essentiel", emphasizing that citing ideas is necessary. It is useful when stressing that an action or principle is required rather than optional.
car "car" means "because" and introduces the reason in "C'est essentiel, car les idées doivent aussi être attribuées." It commonly connects a conclusion with the explanation that supports it.
idées "idées" means "ideas" in "les idées doivent aussi être attribuées", referring to the intellectual content behind the wording. It is useful in academic discussions when distinguishing an idea from the exact words used to express it.
doivent "doivent" expresses "must" in "les idées doivent aussi être attribuées", showing that ideas require credit. The pattern "doivent être" is useful for stating a requirement concerning something.
être "être" means "be" in "doivent aussi être attribuées", where it helps express what must happen to the ideas. The pattern "doivent être" introduces a required state or action described by the following word.
attribuées "attribuées" means "be attributed" in "les idées doivent aussi être attribuées", explaining that ideas must be credited to their source. This expression is useful in academic writing when acknowledging the origin of ideas even after the wording has changed.

Grammar Points

consister à + infinitif

La logique consiste à vérifier la phrase.

lah loh-ZHEEK kohn-SEEST ah vay-ree-FYAY lah FRAHZ.

The logic consists in checking the sentence.

Consister is commonly followed by à and an infinitive when describing an action or process.

dépendre de + nom

La formulation dépend de la structure.

lah for-myoo-lah-SYOHN day-PAHN duh lah struk-TUR.

The wording depends on the structure.

Dépendre requires the preposition de before the thing or factor something depends on.

French Vocabulary

changer verb
shahn-ZHAY to change change
consister verb
kohn-sees-TAY to consist consiste

Un bon test consiste à vérifier

craindre verb
KREHN-druh to fear; to worry crains

Je crains que

garder verb
gahr-DAY to keep garde
paraphrase noun
pah-rah-FRAHZ paraphrase paraphrases
phrase noun
FRAHZ sentence
proche adj
PROHSH close; near proches
rester verb
reh-STAY to remain; to stay restent

mes paraphrases restent trop proches

source noun
SOORS source sources
structure noun
struk-TUR structure
vérifier verb
vay-ree-FYAY to check; to verify
vocabulaire noun
voh-kah-byu-LAIR vocabulary

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

source

Show Answersources

close; near

Show Answerproches

to remain; to stay

Show Answerrestent

to fear; to worry

Show Answercrains