See the discussion of plagiarism in the Bedford Handbook, pp. 576-580. Which of the following paraphrases is the riskiest? Which is the least risky?

Greenwich Observatory is arguably the most cogent symbol of the world-wide influence of English-speaking nations. Founded by King Charles II, the observatory was intended to enhance the scientific expertise of those concerned with astronomy and with navigation--as a leading maritime power, England had a strong need for accurate information about every place on earth and in the visible heavens. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), the observatory sits on a hill overlooking the old port of Greenwich, a little to the east of central London. As with other buildings by Wren, the architecture shows a harmonious wedding of art and science. The observatory is now largely a museum, but the building itself is just as significant today as at any other time, as the following discussion will show.

Greenwich Observatory aptly symbolizes the power of the English-speaking world. King Charles II founded it to encourage research on astronomy and navigation, two major concerns of seafaring England in the seventeenth century. A design of Sir Christopher Wren , the observatory lies near London and overlooks the port of Greenwich. The building is now primarily a museum, but it still is a highly significant landmark.

Paraphrase B

Greenwich Observatory is maybe the most cogent symbol of the world-wide influence of English-speaking nations. Founded by King Charles II, the observatory was supposed to enhance the knowledge of those engaged in astronomy and navigation--as a major maritime power, England had a strong need for good information about every place on earth and in the heavens. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), the observatory sits on a hill overlooking the ancient port of Greenwich, a bit to the east of central London. As with other buildings by Wren, the architecture shows a harmonious blend of art and science. The observatory is now mainly a museum, but the building itself is just as significant nowadays as at any other time, as the following discussion will show.

Greenwich Observatory is arguably the most compelling symbol of the world-wide influence of English-speaking nations. Founded by King Charles II, the observatory was intended to enhance the scientific expertise of those concerned with astronomy and with navigation--as a leading maritime power, England had a strong need for accurate information about every place on earth and in the visible heavens. Sir Christopher Wren designed the observatory, which sits on a hill overlooking the old port of Greenwich, a little to the east of central London. As with other buildings by Wren, the architecture shows a harmonious wedding of art and science. The observatory is now mainly a museum, but the building itself is just as significant today as at any other time, as the following discussion will show.

Greenwich Observatory is possibly the most compelling symbol of the wide reach of the English-speaking world. King Charles II sponsored the observatory in order to enhance the scientific prowess of astronomers and sailors—seafaring England clearly needed good astronomical information. Sir Christopher Wren planned the observatory, which lies below Greenwich, a port not far from London. While once a major scientific institution, the building is now no more than a museum.