Putting a section of text in your own words to increase understanding is a. paraphrasing b. summarizing c. generalizing d. analyzing

Paraphrasing.
It's most closely fits what the question asks and the definitions for the words help clarify.
noun1.a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form, as for clearness; rewording.2.the act or process of restating or rewording.
In questions like this ALWAYS look up the definitions in the dictionary! More often than not the answer is in the question.