Final answer:
When you paraphrase a text, you rephrase it in your own words without changing the original length or meaning, while also providing information about the original source.
Step-by-step explanation:
When putting a text in your own words without altering the meaning or length of the original, you are paraphrasing. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the original text in your own language while maintaining the same meaning as the source material. It is crucial to provide formatted information about the original source even when paraphrasing to give proper credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.
Unlike summarizing, which condenses the content, paraphrasing mirrors back the original idea with the same scope, using your language and style for clarity or simplicity without losing the text's original perspective.