How to write something which is already written? Suppose, I need to write something about the "Relationship between literacy and social status".

I arrange my essay as follows:


what is literacy?
what is social status?
How does social status affect literacy?
...


While searching for (1) I found that there are numerous well-written papers that defined "literacy" in detail. So, the problem for me is: I don't have anything to add to the already existing information base. 

So, the only option left for me is to paraphrase or rearrange the text/information which is available in the articles.

What should I do now?

How can I write something which is already written?
Do not try to rearrange or paraphrase, but write in your own words.

How do you do it:


Read what you need to read.
Think about it.
Write it down again (without looking at the original source). 


It takes more time than paraphrasing/rearranging, but it is worth the effort. You see if you really understood the topic and also you may discover that you have something new to say.