To paraphrase a poem means to do which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Paraphrasing is a basic reading and writing skill that often appears in literature and language exams. When students study poetry, teachers may ask them to paraphrase a stanza in order to check comprehension. This question asks what it means to paraphrase a poem, and the options include several different kinds of literary analysis. Choosing the correct one depends on knowing how paraphrasing is defined.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The verb in the stem is paraphrase.
• Option A rewrite it in your own words refers to expressing the same ideas in different language.
• Option B determine the rhyme scheme focuses on identifying the pattern of rhyming sounds.
• Option C summarize its theme means state the main message or central idea.
• Option D analyze the meter means study the rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Concept / Approach:
To paraphrase a poem is to restate the content of the poem in simpler, more direct language, usually in prose, while keeping the original meaning. The goal is not to shorten it drastically like a summary, nor to analyse its form, but to show understanding of what the lines are saying. The other actions, such as finding rhyme scheme or meter, fall under the technical analysis of poetry, not paraphrasing. Therefore, the correct choice is to rewrite the poem in your own words while preserving its sense and order of ideas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a paraphrase restates another text in fresh wording without changing the central meaning.Step 2: Notice that option A rewrite it in your own words matches this definition closely.Step 3: Examine option B determine the rhyme scheme. This involves labeling patterns such as ABAB or AABB, which is structural analysis, not restatement of meaning.Step 4: Examine option C summarize its theme. A summary is shorter and focuses on the main message, not a line by line restatement.Step 5: Examine option D analyze the meter. This is about rhythm (for example, iambic pentameter), again a different type of analysis. Thus, the best match for paraphrase is option A.

Verification / Alternative check:
In classroom practice, teachers often instruct students to paraphrase a stanza by writing what each line means in plain prose. For example, if a line of poetry says Foam brightens like the dogwood now, a paraphrase might be The foam looks bright white, similar to dogwood blossoms. This is clearly a restatement in different words, not a description of rhyme or meter. When you read study guides, they frequently provide paraphrases of each stanza to help readers understand complex language, which confirms that paraphrasing is about rewriting meaning, not structural analysis.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B determines the rhyme scheme, which is a formal property of the poem and does not retell the content. Option C summarizing the theme cuts down the poem to its central message, which is useful but not the same as a detailed paraphrase. Option D analyzing the meter focuses on technical sound patterns. None of these involve expressing every important idea of the poem in new language, which is what paraphrasing requires.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse paraphrasing with summarizing. A summary is shorter and omits details, while a paraphrase keeps roughly the same length and order of ideas but uses simpler language. Another pitfall is thinking that any analysis activity counts as paraphrasing. Remember the key phrase put it in your own words; this will guide you to the correct answer in similar questions.

Final Answer:
To paraphrase a poem means to Rewrite it in your own words, so option A is correct.