paraphrasing words in ielts

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How to Paraphrase in the IELTS Test

Paraphrasing is an essential IELTS skill. This post will show you how to paraphrase effectively.

Paraphrasing is simply re-writing a phrase or sentence so that it has the same meaning but with different words. Paraphrasing is one of the most important skills to learn before doing your IELTS test. It is most important for writing and speaking, but will also help you in the reading and listening tests. In other words, if you know how to paraphrase, you are more likely to get the score you need.

The mental processes required to paraphrase will also help you to fully understand the question, and this is one of the reasons I tell my students to begin all of their answers in the writing test by paraphrasing the question.

Let’s look at an example.

Example: Paraphrasing is one of the most important skills to learn before doing your IELTS test.

Paraphrased: Before taking the IELTS test, mastering paraphrasing is one of the most crucial things to do.

As you can see, the second sentence (paraphrased sentence) uses synonyms to change some vocabulary (e.g., ‘important’ for ‘crucial’ and ‘’prior’’ to ‘before’ and changes the grammar (e.g., Paraphrasing is one of the most important skills” for “mastering paraphrasing”). You can also change the word order.

You should use these three main methods in the IELTS test to paraphrase sentences. Ideally, you should try to use all three, but sometimes two will only be possible.

We will now look at each method in detail and also have a look at the passive.

Method Number 1: Using Synonyms

Synonyms are different words that have the same meaning. For example, ‘humans’ is a synonym for ‘people’ and ‘attractive’ is a synonym for ‘beautiful’. This method replaces words with the same meaning to produce a new sentence.

For example:

My car needs petrol .

My vehicle requires fuel.

As you can see, I have replaced 3 out of four words with synonyms to produce a new sentence with the same meaning as the first one. You will notice that I didn’t replace all of the words, but you should try to replace most of them.

This is the most common method that students use, and it can be used effectively, but you should be careful.

Violent crime is on the rise among teenagers .

Violent offences are rising among young people .

This student has changed the word ‘teenagers’ to ‘young people’. They are similar words, and teenagers are, of course, young people; however, children and young adults, aged between 18-30, could also be described as young people. A more term would be ‘adolescents’ or ‘young people between the ages of 13-19.’ A better way to paraphrase this sentence would therefore be:

Violent offences are rising among adolescents.

You should, therefore, only use words you are 100% sure about. Don’t change a word unless you are 100% sure that it is a direct synonym. Otherwise, you are likely to make mistakes, which will lower your score.

Let’s look at another good example:

Global warming is mostly caused by emissions from internal combustion engines.

Climate change is mainly caused by the release of fumes from motor vehicles.

M ethod Number 2: Change the Word Order

Changing the word order also allows us to effectively paraphrase a sentence, but again, we have to be careful. Don’t change the word order without thinking about how this affects the grammar of the sentence. By changing the word order, you may have to add a word, subtract a word or change the form of the word.

The 100% rule applies again; don’t change it if you are not 100% sure it is grammatically correct. Remember that you are judged on your ability to produce error-free sentences in the IELTS test and use a range of grammar structures.

Fortunately, there are two straightforward ways to change the word order in most IELTS questions.

• You can easily change the order of the clauses if the original sentence has more than one clause.

Question: As languages such as Spanish, Chinese and English become more widely used, there is a fear that many minority languages may die out.

Paraphrased by changing word order: There is a fear that many minority languages may die out, as languages such as Spanish, Chinese and English become more widely used.

We could also add some synonyms to paraphrase it even more:

Paraphrased with changing word order AND synonyms: There is dismay that many lesser-used languages may pass away as languages such as Chinese, English and Spanish become more broadly spoken.

• You can also change the word order if there is an adjective or noun in the question. You do this by simply changing the adjective into a relative clause.

Question: Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects of adult life.

Paraphrased: Learning to manage money is a key aspect of adult life.

M ethod Number 3: Change the Form of the Word

There are many different forms of words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. Changing the form of a word allows us to paraphrase effectively. Again, don’t just change the form of the word; you also need to check that your changes make grammatical sense. You might need to change the words around it to make the sentence error-free.

Question: Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives.

Paraphrased by changing word form: Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people are suggesting that people over the age of sixty-five can continue living full and active lives.

M ethod Number 4: Change from Active to Passive

The passive voice is often used in academic writing and can therefore be used in the IELTS academic writing test. Only verbs with an object can be turned into passive.

Example active sentence: The property developers invested $20 million in the development of the shopping centre.

Example passive sentence: $20 million was invested in the development of shopping centres.

We often use the passive voice in academic writing when we don’t want to say it is our opinion.

Example active: People say that global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Example passive: Global warming is said to be caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

How many of these methods should I use?

The four methods can be used independently or together. I advise my students to try and change the grammar (word order and/or word form) and use synonyms. Remember only use the methods you feel 100% comfortable using and ensure your work is error-free.

These paraphrasing methods will only help you in the IELTS exam if you practice using them. Find some example writing questions and try paraphrasing them using these methods. You can use the methods individually and then combine them. Try all of them to see what works for you. If you practice enough, you will begin to see patterns in the questions, and common words and phrases will become easy for you to change.

If you want to see examples of paraphrasing, use Google. Many articles will appear on the same topic if you Google certain keywords. By comparing these, you will be able to see how different writers have expressed the same ideas.

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service .

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

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How to Paraphrase in IELTS Writing +Exercises

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        Paraphrasing is an essential skill for IELTS writing for task 1 and task 2. Many students often paraphrase inappropriately, over paraphrase , or do not realise some other paraphrasing options available to them. We hope this guide and practice exercises will help you to feel more confident paraphrasing  in your IELTS essays. 

What is paraphrasing and how can we use it well in an IELTS essay?

Paraphrasing is when we restate someone else’s ideas (text or speech) using our own words, while keeping the same meaning. In IELTS essays we need to practice paraphrasing to show flexibility and avoid repeating ourselves.   

We can paraphrase in our IELTS essays by:

✅  Changing the word order

✅  Using synonyms

✅ Changing the word form

Let’s have a look at a task 2 writing question, and look at the different options we have to paraphrase in your introduction using the methods above.

In many countries, schools have major problems with student behaviour. What do you think the causes of this are? What solutions would you suggest?

✅Changing the word order example

Paraphrased = The behaviour of students is a major problem for schools in many countries.

In this example, we have kept exactly the same words, but we have simply changed the word order. This is an effective use of paraphrasing especially if you cannot think of any accurate synonyms or different word forms. 

✅ An example using accurate synonyms

Paraphrased = In a number of nations , schools have  significant difficulties  with student behaviour.

In this example we have kept a similar structure to the question, but we have paraphrased accurately using the synonyms below:

A number of = Many Nations = Countries  Significant = Major  Difficulties = Problems  

✅ Changing the word form example

In many countries, student behaviour can be problematic for schools.

In this example we have changed the word form ‘problem’ (noun) to ‘problematic’ (adjective).

All of these examples show how we can effectivily paraphrase a background statement for the IELTS writing task 2. Of course you can combine these techniques:

Paraphrased = The behaviour of students is often challenging for a number of schools around the world.

The simplist solution is often to change the word order, and then if you feel confident try to use synonyms only if you feel are are accurate . Students we teach often think they need to paraphrase every word, which leads to many mistakes and a reduction in score .

Here is an example of inaccurate paraphrasing:

Of course, this example is exagerrated. However, it illustrates the inaccuarate use of synonyms we commonly see.

Let’s analyse why.

Republics/Countries = Some countries are republics such as ‘The People’s Republic of China’, or ‘The Republic of Ireland’. However, not all countries are republics.

Educational institutions/Schools = ‘An educational institution’ This a very open and broad term which would include universities and colleges. Sometimes we do use the word ‘school’ with universities like ‘The London School of Economics’. However, the word school used alone, nearly always refers to children and not adults.

Crucial/Major = The word ‘major’ shows the degree of something with its opposite being ‘minor’. However, ‘crucial’ has a different meaning and is very similar to the word ‘important’.

Drawbacks/Problems = The word ‘drawback’ is similar to the word ‘disadvantage’, and therefore is not an accuate synonym for the word ‘problem.

Scholars/Students = ‘Scholars’ are specialists within a field of study whereas ‘students’ is a wide term which can include children.

Manners/Behaviour = ‘Manners’ relates to  how  someone’s behaviour is acted out and this is usually in social situations:

‘He has bad table manners’

Behaviour is the general action of an individual.

‘He has a very irresponsible behaviour towards investing’

Paraphrasing Exercises for IELTS Writing

Have a look at these background statements which are taken from task 2 questions:

Exercise 1.1

There are lots of different styles of music in the world today.

How could you finish the sentence below to get the same meaning?

The world today______________________

The world today has lots of different styles of music.

Exercise 1.2

The world today has ____________ different styles of music.

Which two quantifiers below could replace ‘lots of’?

✅ a large number of      ✅ many

Quantifiers are quite easy to paraphrase. Please try our exercises on quantifiers in the main menu to become familiar with different options.

Exercise 1.3

The world today has a large number of __________ styles of music.

Which word could replace ‘ different’?

✅ diverse   

‘Diverse’ could be used. However, be aware that it is not an exact synonym for ‘different’

These two colours are ‘different’  🔵 🟡    . They are not ‘diverse’.

This picture has a lot of diverse colour:

We use diverse when there is a lot of variety.

• “She likes diverse music” • “Italy has a lot of diverse food”

Unless you are 100% certain that the synonym is correct and suitable, do not use them, otherwise it you will lose marks.

Exercise 1.4

There isn’t an exact synonym for the word ‘music’, but how could we change these words?

‘styles of music’

Try to change the form of the word ‘music’ into an adjective. Then, how could you say ‘styles of music’ differently?

✅ ‘musical styles’

These are just a few other options. There are plenty more variations.

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How to Paraphrase in Academic Task 1: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you gearing up for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1? If so, mastering the art of paraphrasing is crucial for your success. But worry not, as our comprehensive eBooks and personalized Essay Feedback Service are here to guide you every step of the way. Paraphrasing isn't just about using synonyms; it's an essential skill that showcases your English proficiency.

By delving into our eBooks , you’ll gain insights into effective paraphrasing techniques, and with our Essay Feedback Service , you'll receive expert analysis on your paraphrasing skills. These tools are designed to help you impress the examiner with your linguistic dexterity. Today, let's dive deep into the nuances of paraphrasing, using a real IELTS Academic Task 1 question as our guide.

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What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is more than just a writing skill; it's a critical component of effective communication in IELTS Writing Task 1. It involves rewording and rephrasing the original text while retaining the core message and meaning. This skill allows you to express the same ideas presented in the task prompt, but in a way that is unique and reflective of your own language abilities. In IELTS Writing, especially in the introduction of Task 1, paraphrasing plays a pivotal role. It requires you to not only understand the given prompt but also to creatively rewrite it, ensuring accuracy and originality.

Why is Paraphrasing Important in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Avoids Plagiarism:

Paraphrasing is essential in academic writing to steer clear of plagiarism. It involves presenting the same information in a new way, which is crucial in the IELTS exam where originality is valued.

This skill demonstrates that you can think independently and express ideas in your own words, a key aspect of language proficiency.

Demonstrates Language Proficiency:

Effective paraphrasing showcases your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary and different grammatical structures. It's a testament to your English language skills, particularly in understanding and manipulating complex ideas.

It also reflects your ability to understand the nuances of language, as paraphrasing often requires subtle changes in word choice and sentence structure.

First Impressions Count:

The introduction of your Task 1 response is the first thing the examiner reads. A well-paraphrased introduction immediately indicates your language competency.

It sets a positive tone for your response, signalling to the examiner that you have a strong command of English. This initial impression can be influential in determining your overall score.

Enhances Cognitive and Writing Skills:

Paraphrasing is not just about language; it's also about thinking. It requires you to process information, understand it thoroughly, and then express it differently.

This cognitive process enhances your overall writing skills, as you learn to construct ideas and arguments in diverse ways.

Improves Adaptability in Language Use:

By practicing paraphrasing, you become more adaptable in using the English language. You learn to convey the same message in various contexts, which is a valuable skill in real-world communication.

This adaptability also helps in other parts of the IELTS test, such as the speaking component, where you might need to rephrase your thoughts during a discussion.

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How to Paraphrase in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

Paraphrasing is an essential skill in IELTS Writing Task 1, and mastering it can significantly improve your performance. Here are detailed steps to help you paraphrase effectively:

Understand the Original Text:

Before you begin paraphrasing, it's vital to fully comprehend the original prompt. Read it several times to grasp the core message and main ideas.

Look for the key points and data presented in the chart, graph, or table. Understanding these elements is crucial to accurately paraphrase the prompt.

Use Synonyms Wisely:

Identifying and using synonyms is a fundamental part of paraphrasing. However, it's important to use them wisely.

Not all words have exact synonyms, and some synonyms can change the meaning if not used appropriately. Always consider the context before replacing words.

Change the Sentence Structure:

Altering the sentence structure is a powerful tool in paraphrasing. This can involve changing from active to passive voice, or modifying the sentence format.

For example, if the original sentence is in the form of a statement, you might consider turning it into a clause or vice versa.

Keep it Accurate:

The most crucial aspect of paraphrasing is maintaining the accuracy of the original text. Ensure that the paraphrased sentence conveys the same information.

Avoid adding your own opinions or altering the data. The goal is to restate the original information in a new form, not to create new content.

Example in Detail:

Let’s examine a real IELTS Academic Task 1 question and its paraphrased version in detail:

Original Question Statement:  “The chart below shows the amount of money per week spent on fast foods in Britain. The graph shows trends in consumption of fast foods.”

Paraphrased:  “The provided bar chart delineates the weekly expenditure on fast food items in the UK, while the line graph illustrates the consumption patterns of these foods over time.”

Analysis of Paraphrasing:

Original to Paraphrased:

"chart below" becomes "provided bar chart," indicating the type of chart more specifically.

"amount of money" is paraphrased to "expenditure," a more formal synonym.

"per week" changes to "weekly," which is a concise way of expressing the same idea.

"fast foods in Britain" is transformed into "fast food items in the UK," using a synonym for the country and slightly varying the phrase.

"graph shows trends" is rephrased to "line graph illustrates," where "shows" is replaced with "illustrates," and "trends" with "consumption patterns," providing a richer description.

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Key Points in Paraphrasing for IELTS Writing Task 1

Paraphrasing effectively in IELTS Writing Task 1 involves more than just substituting words; it's about rethinking how to present the same information in a fresh and engaging way. Here's an expanded list of key points to consider when paraphrasing, along with detailed explanations:

'shows' -> 'delineates':

'Delineates' is a more formal and precise term, adding a level of sophistication to the sentence. It implies a detailed and accurate representation, which is ideal for describing charts or graphs.

'amount of money' -> 'expenditure':

'Expenditure' is a more technical term, suitable for academic writing. It encapsulates the idea of spending money, elevating the language style.

'per week' -> 'weekly':

'Weekly' is a concise and direct way to describe a time frame. It streamlines the sentence, making it more straightforward and easy to read.

'spent on' -> 'on':

Simplifying 'spent on' to 'on' makes the sentence more concise without losing the original meaning. It's an example of how removing unnecessary words can enhance clarity.

'fast foods' -> 'fast food items':

'Fast food items' gives a more detailed image, suggesting a variety of foods rather than a general category. It adds specificity to the description.

'Britain' -> 'the UK':

'The UK' is a more formal and encompassing term than 'Britain,' which can be seen as more colloquial. This change also introduces geographical variety.

'graph' -> 'line graph':

Specifying 'line graph' instead of the more generic 'graph' provides clarity about the type of data representation, which is critical in accurately describing the task.

'trends' -> 'patterns':

'Patterns' suggest a more nuanced and detailed observation of data, compared to 'trends,' which can be more general. It indicates a deeper analysis of the information.

'consumption' -> 'consumption patterns':

Expanding 'consumption' to 'consumption patterns' adds depth, indicating not just the act of consuming but also the manner and trends of consumption.

'below' -> 'presented below':

Changing 'below' to 'presented below' adds a formal touch and emphasizes the arrangement of the information in the test material.

'shows the amount' -> 'illustrates the quantity':

'Illustrates the quantity' changes the phrase to sound more academic. 'Illustrates' suggests a detailed portrayal, while 'quantity' is a more formal synonym for 'amount.'

'money' -> 'fiscal expenditure':

'Fiscal expenditure' is a more sophisticated way of referring to money spending, aligning with the formal tone expected in academic writing.

'in Britain' -> 'within the United Kingdom':

'Within the United Kingdom' is a more formal and inclusive way of referring to the geographic area, enhancing the academic tone of the sentence.

By expanding your vocabulary and varying sentence structures, you can effectively paraphrase in IELTS Writing Task 1, showcasing your language proficiency and ability to present information in a clear, accurate, and academically suitable manner. Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing transcends mere task completion; it's an art that calls for a deep understanding, creativity, and precision. This skill, when practiced diligently, can be a significant catalyst in enhancing your IELTS Writing score.

It's important to approach paraphrasing as an intelligent rephrasing exercise, not merely as a process of swapping words. This approach will not only refine your writing skills but also demonstrate your comprehensive grasp of the English language in a context that values clarity and precision.

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IELTS Paraphrasing: 4 Proven Tips to Master It

27/03/2024 06:00

Paraphrasing is a crucial skill to master for the IELTS exam. To be honest, it’s a bit of an art form and will serve you well not only in the exam but in any writing that you’ll need to do thereafter.

As you know paraphrasing involves rephrasing a sentence or phrase with different words that convey the same meaning. Paraphrasing is essential for both speaking and writing, but it will also help you in the listening and reading tests. Therefore, if you can paraphrase well, you are more likely to earn a higher score.

Additionally, if you practice paraphrasing it will help you better understand the question. That's why I always tell my students to start their writing test answers by paraphrasing the question. It’s key to achieving a high score!

Consider the following use of paraphrasing.

Original : Paraphrasing is one of the most essential skills to learn prior to sitting for your IELTS exam. Now it can be paraphrased like this : Understanding paraphrasing is key before taking the IELTS test.

Notice that the second sentence uses synonyms to change vocabulary such as essential for key and before for prior . I also made changes to the grammar: Paraphrasing is one of the most essential skills to Understanding paraphrasing to convey the same message.

There are three main techniques, plus changing to passive voice to paraphrase sentences in the IELTS exam. While it might be preferable to use all three, often you will find only two are necessary.

Of course, with all of these, you must be 100% in your understanding of the original sentence or phrase and the changes you make. So, let’s look closer at these techniques now.

#1 Synonyms

Synonyms are words or phrases that mean the same as another word or phrase. Take for instance, ‘people’ is a synonym for ‘individuals’, and ‘attractive’ is a synonym for ‘pretty’. This technique replaces words with the same meaning to produce a new sentence.

For example: My bracelet needs repairing. My bangle requires mending.     

  With these three out of four words have been replaced with synonyms to create a new sentence with the same meaning as the first. Notice that all the words have not been replaced, but you should try to replace most of them.

This is probably the most common technique that students use and it is effective. But be mindful that you do not make an error in the meaning of the words you replace.

Social media use is on the rise among teenagers . Social media use is on the rise among young people .

Here you'll see, I changed teenagers to young people to make a point . These are similar words, and teenagers are young people. However, not all young people are teenagers. The term teenagers specifically describe the ages between 13-19 years of age. Young people can also include young adults from 18-30 years old. Therefore, a better word would be adolescents or young people between the ages of 13-19 .

A better way to paraphrase this sentence would be like this: Social media use is on the rise among adolescents .

When you see it like this, you can understand why is so important to only change words you are 100% sure about. If not, you will probably make small mistakes that will greatly affect your score. And I do not want that for you!

# 2 Changing the Word Order

Changing the word order can also be an effective strategy for paraphrasing a sentence, but it must be done carefully. You should not change the word order without considering how it affects the sentence's grammar.

Changing the word order may require adding or subtracting words or changing the form of words.

Remember that you will be evaluated on your ability to create error-free sentences that use a range of grammar structures in the IELTS exam. It's important to follow the 100% rule and not change the word order unless you are 100% completely confident that it's grammatically accurate.

Luckily, there are two easy ways to change the word order in most IELTS questions.

First, if the original sentence contains more than one clause, you can rearrange the order of the clauses.

Question : The diagram below shows the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry . Paraphrased : The process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry is shown in the diagram below.

You can add synonyms in combination with word order change to paraphrase a bit more.

Combination : The method by which bricks are produced for the construction industry is shown in the figure below.

Second, if there is an adjective or noun in the question, you can change the word order by transforming the adjective into a relative clause.

Question : Learning to manage your emotions is one of the key aspects of adult life. Paraphrased : Learning to manage your emotions is a key aspect of adult life.

#3 Changing the Form of the Word

Another effective way to paraphrase is by changing the form of a word. As there are many, many forms of words, including adjectives, adverbs nouns, and verbs…you need to be sure you are using the 100% rule. Do not simply change the form of the word, you must also check that your changes make grammatical sense. To make sure it is an error-free sentence, you may need to change the words around.

Question : The world of work is changing rapidly, and employees cannot depend on having the same job or the same working conditions for life.

Paraphrased by changing word form : The world of work is changing rapidly, and employees cannot depend on the same job or the same work conditions for life.

#4 Bonus Technique: Changing from Active to Passive Voice

In academic writing, we often use the passive voice. Because of this, we can also use it in the IELTS academic writing test. Remember, only verbs with an object can be turned into passive.

Check these examples out: Example active : The property developers invested $75 million in the development of the shopping center. Example passive : $75 million was invested in the development of shopping centers.

Example active : People say that global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Example passive : Global warming is said to be caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Do I need to use all four of these?? Nope. Each of the four techniques can be used alone or combined. I suggest you use synonyms and try to change the grammar (word order and/or word form).

Key tip : only use the technique(s) that you feel 100% comfortable with and can use 100% error-free.

What to do now?

The only way for these paraphrasing techniques to help you on the IELTS exam is to practice using them. See the example questions below and try using the techniques. Try each one and see which works best for you. With enough practice, you can spot patterns in the questions, along with common words and phrases. Being able to do this will make it super simple for you to paraphrase in the IELTS.

Practice example questions for you to paraphrase:

A.    Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. B.    International tourism has brought enormous benefits to many places. C.    Most societies have homeless people. Some people think that the best way to help them is to give them money. D.    Distance learning has many benefits, but there are also drawbacks, and not every learner will be suited to this mode of study.

Good luck! Don’t forget to drop a comment or send me an email to let me know how you are doing with paraphrasing!

If you need some help paraphrasing, join me in the Summer Speaking Series! I'll help you use paraphrasing in speaking and show you how it will help your writing. Check it out here .

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How to effectively paraphrase in the IELTS Writing section

Learn essential techniques on how to effectively paraphrase in the IELTS Writing section and enhance your essay writing skills.

In the IELTS Writing section, paraphrasing plays a vital role in showcasing your language proficiency and ability to restate information accurately. Effective paraphrasing not only demonstrates your understanding of the given prompts and sources but also helps to enhance the coherence and cohesion of your essay. By employing various techniques such as synonyms, restructuring sentence patterns, and altering word forms, you can successfully convey the same meaning while presenting your ideas in a fresh and original manner. This guide aims to provide you with valuable tips and strategies to master the art of paraphrasing in the IELTS Writing section , enabling you to express yourself fluently and impressively.

Six things to learn to paraphrase effectively in the IELTS Writing section

Mastering the art of effective paraphrasing involves several key steps that are crucial for enhancing your language skills. This blog outlines six essential tasks that will aid you in becoming proficient in the art of paraphrasing.

By following these steps, you can refine your ability to restate information accurately and coherently, enabling you to excel in expressing ideas in your own unique way:

1. Embrace synonyms for originality and avoid plagiarism

Synonyms encompass distinct words that convey identical meanings. For instance, 'currency' serves as a synonym for 'money' or 'funds,' while 'weary' acts as a synonym for 'tired' or 'exhausted.'

Through the utilisation of synonyms, you can proficiently substitute a series of words with alternative choices without altering the fundamental essence of the sentence. It is crucial to employ words that possess identical meanings rather than merely resembling them, as this can result in penalties during assessments.

Consider the following sentence:

We are heading to Disneyland for a well-deserved holiday

This can be readily transformed into:

We are traveling to Disney for our well-earned vacation

The key lies in ensuring that the meaning remains unaltered, and it is essential to employ only those words with which you are completely familiar, enabling you to achieve a high score without the risk of being penalised.

2. Redefining meaning through word order alteration

One crucial skill in the art of paraphrasing is the ability to modify the word order within a sentence. This entails adding or omitting words, as well as substituting specific words with alternatives.

We are famished and would like to quickly head to the Chinese Restaurant for dinner

You can alter the word order as follows:

We are rushing towards the Chinese restaurant for dinner because we are famished

While rearranging the word order, it is imperative to ensure that the resulting sentence maintains grammatical coherence and remains free of errors. Furthermore, you can enhance the effectiveness of your paraphrasing by incorporating synonyms into the process.

3. Enhancing paraphrasing through word form variation

An effective technique for paraphrasing sentences involves altering the form of words. This can be achieved by interchanging nouns with verbs or verbs with adjectives interchangeably.

Consider the following example:

Many children are terrified of entering the spooky house alone during Halloween

You can paraphrase the sentence by modifying the word forms of 'entering', 'terrified', 'spooky', and 'alone'.

Many children lack the courage to venture into the frightful-looking house unaccompanied on Halloween

By manipulating word forms, you not only demonstrate your adaptability in the English language but also exhibit a profound vocabulary, enabling you to achieve higher scores in your Writing assessment.

4. Transitioning from active to passive voice for enhanced writing skills

A valuable skill in tackling the discursive essay and engaging with diverse perspectives during the IELTS Writing test is the ability to seamlessly shift between active and passive voice.

This can be effortlessly achieved by identifying the direct object within a sentence and relocating it to the sentence's beginning while eliminating the action and modifying the verb's form.

For instance:

Most of the students are reading the magazines

You can transform this sentence into a passive voice by placing 'magazines' at the start of the sentence, removing the action of reading, and adjusting the verb's form.

The magazines are being read by most of the students

Mastering the art of transitioning from active to passive voice showcases your proficiency in writing and adds depth to your linguistic repertoire, thereby leading to improved performance in the IELTS Writing test .

5. Restructuring sentences for effective paraphrasing

A powerful technique for paraphrasing involves altering the structure of a sentence while preserving its core meaning.

Many students struggle in their tests because they do not put in the hard work and practice enough

You can observe that the sentence consists of two clauses: "Many students struggle in their tests" and "because they do not put in the hard work and practice enough."

To rephrase the sentence, simply interchange the order and modify certain word forms to achieve a more natural flow.

The main reasons why students struggle in their tests are not working hard and not practicing enough

While the meaning of the sentence remains intact, the structure has been transformed. By skilfully adjusting sentence structures, you demonstrate your aptitude for paraphrasing while retaining the intended message.

6. Embark on paraphrasing with sample tests

A remarkable approach to commence your paraphrasing journey is by practicing directly on sample tests. Engaging with actual test materials not only enables you to refine your skills in fixed sentences but also empowers you to master the art of paraphrasing.

By attempting timed writing exercises using authentic sample test topics, you will swiftly grasp the art of rephrasing both your own ideas and the information provided. This immersive experience will propel your progress exponentially.

By immersing yourself in the practical application of paraphrasing within a time-constrained environment, you will make significant strides in honing your skills and achieving remarkable improvement.

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Paraphrasing in the IELTS Test

Paraphrasing in the IELTS test can be tricky but well worth getting the hang of. 

It's an important skill that you'll need to use in the test.

It’s done by putting something into your own words; it can be done by re-arranging the sentence structure, using synonyms or changing the form of a word. 

Why is this relevant in the IELTS exam?

It’s an essential skill to master for both the speaking and writing sections.

It basically happens in IELTS when you are given words, phrases or sentences in the form of prompts or questions, and you place these into your own words.

Paraphrasing in IELTS Speaking

(see below for writing)

For a high score, paraphrasing is required to demonstrate understanding and an advanced vocabulary. Essentially, it’s what stands between you and Band 8.

When looking at the official speaking assessment criteria, you’ll notice the following requirements for different scores within lexical resources:

• Band 5: Attempts paraphrase but not always with success.
• Band 6: Generally able to paraphrase successfully.
• Band 7: Effective use of paraphrase as required. 
• Band 8: Effective use of paraphrase as required.

Not paraphrasing in the IELTS test successfully can negatively impact your score, and you don’t want that! 

Not only will paraphrasing allow you to show off your vocabulary to the examiner, but it can also help buy you some extra time to think of what you want to say and even help you understand the question a bit better by rephrasing it out loud.

Let’s take a further look at exactly how to paraphrase in the speaking section. We’ll use common part 1 questions for the examples to give a clear understanding of how to implement this technique in an exam but you can do it in all parts.

Different Ways to Paraphrase

With synonyms.

• Q: “Is there anything you dislike about your hometown?”
• A: “There are a number of things I’m not fond of in the city I grew up in. For instance, I don't like...” 

By Rearranging Word Order

• Q: “Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?”
• A: “Since I was a child, my hometown has definitely changed in many ways. It's become...” 

Changing Word Formations

• Q: ”Are there any changes you would like to make to your hometown?”
• A: “There are definitely some things I’d like to change about my hometown.”

Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing

In the writing section, you’ll take a similar approach.

Paraphrasing in Writing Task 1

If you’re taking the academic IELTS exam, you’ll especially need to paraphrase in task 1 of the writing section, where you’re given a diagram/graph to analyse. 

The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Step 1 is to paraphrase this and here’s what that might look like:

First Sentence of Introduction

The pie chart portrays the primary causes of agricultural land deterioration, while the table illustrates how three different parts of the world have been impacted by these issues during the 1990’s.

After you’ve completed that, you’ll already be 30 words into your 150-word description of your chart and table. 

You’ve demonstrated your ability to paraphrase using excellent synonyms and rearranging the sentence into a complex structure by using the linking word “while” to join them together. 

Paraphrasing in Writing Task 2

Part 2 requires you to write an academic-style essay on your opinion, argue a point, or solve a problem.

This means you’ll be given a statement within the question itself that you can paraphrase in the introduction of your essay. 

You can implement any of the paraphrasing methods mentioned above or even a combination. Here’s an example:

Essay Question

We have an enormous variety of options to choose from in our everyday lives. However, some people argue that in reality we don’t have the liberty to make different choices.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's world, it’s often argued that despite having many options, people are not always free to make many decisions.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so let’s jump straight into it!

Try answering these questions by using paraphrasing at the start. The questions are from parts 1-3

• What is your favourite part of the week?
• How often do you spend each day sending text messages?
• Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life.
• Describe a happy childhood event.
• Do you think social media is a bad influence on children?
• Are countries doing enough to combat global warming?

Writing Task 1

Paraphrase these writing task 1 prompts.

•  The chart below shows the percentage of people from the UK who ate five portions of fruit per day from 2014 to 2024.
• The line graph below shows the global sales of digital games between 2010 and 2020.
• The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

Writing Task 2

Paraphrase the following statements:

• Many people believe that social networking sites have had a huge negative impact on both people and the society
• Some people think that getting a degree from a university is the best way to guarantee a good job; others believe it would be better to go straight to work and get experience instead.
• Most people believe that money cannot buy happiness. Why does happiness have to be defined? How can people achieve happiness?

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

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Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

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Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

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This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

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Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

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Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.

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25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

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IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

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In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

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Task 1 & 2: Paraphrasing

Learn how to paraphrase for IELTS and improve your writing score with simple techniques like synonyms and sentence combining. Start practising now!

Content Tags

Paraphrasing is essential in the IELTS test. It's a great skill to have for speaking and it's especially important for the writing section. This skill shows that you not only understand the question but that you can discuss it fully. If you write the original statement in your tasks, it may not be counted and it could hurt your word count.

What is paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is writing the same information using different vocabulary, phrases, and structures.

How do I paraphrase?

Paraphrasing can be a daunting task. Here are some simple techniques that can help you paraphrase well in your writing:

Use synonyms

Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. Using synonyms is an easy way to create a new sentence that has the same meaning.

Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society.

Some individuals believe that parents should teach their children how to be a positive part of their community.

Make sure that the synonyms you are using have the same meaning, and not similar, as this could change the meaning of the sentence.

Some people believe that car emissions have a massive impact on the environment.

Incorrect: Some people believe that car emissions have a large impact on the environment.

Correct: Some people believe that car emissions have an enormous impact on the environment.

Be careful because some synonyms can be used in some situations but not in others.

The amount of fish consumed in the world has increased dramatically.

Incorrect: The amount of fish used in the world has increased dramatically.

The amount of fuel consumed when driving largely depends on the vehicle.

Correct: The amount of fuel used when driving largely depends on the vehicle. 

Also, grammar is important when using synonyms.

Wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness.

Having money does not necessarily ensure satisfaction.

2. Change word order

Putting words and phrases in different places within the sentence is another simple way to paraphrase.

The percentage of stressed children in western society has increased by 15% in the last ten years.

In the last ten years, the percentage of stressed children in western society has increased by 15%.

Again, the meaning of the sentence may change when changing the word order.

Successful sports professionals earn more money than people in other important professions.

Incorrect: People in other important professions earn more money than successful sports professionals.

Correct: People in other important professions earn less money than successful sports professionals.

3. Change word form

Along with word order, you can change word form. This involves changing vocabulary from nouns to verbs, adjectives to adverbs, and so on.

Nowadays, crimes are becoming more violent.

Nowadays, crimes are being committed more violently.

Once again, grammar is important when changing word form.

The level of crime has increased noticeably in different ways.

Incorrect: There was an increase noticeably in the level of crime in different ways.  

Correct: The increase in the level of crime has been noticeable in different ways.

4. Active to Passive

Changing your sentences from active to passive voice can be more difficult than the other techniques; however, it shows a variety in your grammar structures.

Active: Technological advances have replaced people in the workforce.

Passive: People in the workforce have been replaced by technological advances.

Make sure you know how to change the structure of a sentence before trying to use the passive voice.

Children today play very violent video games.

Incorrect: Children today are played by very violent video games.

Correct: Very violent video games are played by children today.

5. Combine sentences

The ability to combine sentences gives you more opportunity to change word order as well as shows off more variety in your writing.

Some people believe that animals should have the same rights as humans. Other people believe that animals should be used for various needs such as food and research.

Some people believe that animals should have the same rights as humans, while others believe they should be used for various needs such as food and research.

When combining sentences, make sure that the transitions you are using are correct.

Some people believe that logging is a serious problem. They believe that it may lead to the extinction of animal life.

Incorrect: Some people believe that logging is a serious problem, while others believe that it may lead to the extinction of animal life.

Correct: Some people believe that logging is a serious problem and it may lead to the extinction of animal life.

Practice using these techniques in your writing to become more comfortable with paraphrasing. Paraphrasing can lead to better writing, which in turn, can lead to a better writing score.

By Ashlee Hunter

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Vocabulary for IELTS: Word Lists, Exercises & Pronunciation

IELTS vocabulary lessons with word lists, practice exercises and pronunciation. Learn word lists for common topics and how to pronounce words correctly in English. Vocabulary  is 25% of your marks for IELTS writing and speaking and also plays a key role in listening and reading. You need to develop your English language vocabulary if you wish to crack IELTS.

Vocabulary for IELTS Topics

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Paraphrasing Successfully

Improve your IELTS vocabulary score by learn useful tips for paraphrasing in IELTS. You need to learn to paraphrase correctly and avoid errors to get a good score in all skills, particularly IELTS writing. Knowing which words to repeat and which words to paraphrase is essential.

Paraphrasing Video: How to paraphrase and avoid errors

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Mastering Substitution Strategies: Boost Your IELTS Vocabulary Skills

Substitution Strategies are powerful techniques that can significantly enhance your vocabulary usage and overall language proficiency in the IELTS exam. These strategies involve replacing common words or phrases with more sophisticated alternatives, allowing you to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary and improve your scores across all sections of the test.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Definition and Importance
• 1.2 Context of Use
• 2.1 Word Structure and Origins
• 2.2 Synonyms and Antonyms
• 3.1 Mind Mapping
• 3.2 Storytelling and Visualization
• 4.1 Application Exercises
• 4.2 Repetition and Review
• 5 Conclusion

Understanding Substitution Strategies

Substitution strategies refer to the practice of replacing simple or overused words with more advanced or precise alternatives. This technique not only showcases your extensive vocabulary but also adds variety and sophistication to your language use.

Definition and Importance

Substitution strategies [/ˌsʌbstɪˈtjuːʃən ˈstrætədʒiz/] (noun phrase): Techniques used to replace common words or phrases with more advanced alternatives to improve language variety and precision.

These strategies are crucial for IELTS test-takers aiming to achieve higher band scores, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections where vocabulary range is explicitly assessed.

Context of Use

Let’s explore some examples of substitution strategies in action:

“I think” → “In my opinion”

• Original: I think we should invest in renewable energy.
• Improved: In my opinion , investing in renewable energy is imperative for sustainable development.

“Big” → “Substantial”

• Original: The company made big profits last year.
• Improved: The company achieved substantial profits in the previous fiscal year.

“Important” → “Crucial”

• Original: Education is important for a country’s development.
• Improved: Education plays a crucial role in a nation’s socio-economic progress.

“Many” → “Numerous”

• Original: Many people believe that climate change is a serious issue.
• Improved: Numerous studies have corroborated the severity of climate change and its global implications.

“But” → “However”

• Original: The project was interesting, but it was too expensive to implement.
• Improved: The project presented intriguing possibilities; however , its implementation costs proved prohibitive.

These examples demonstrate how substitution strategies can elevate your language use, making it more formal, precise, and sophisticated.

Analyzing Substitution Strategies

Word structure and origins.

Understanding the structure and origins of words can help you apply substitution strategies more effectively. For instance:

• “Substantial” (from Latin “substantia” meaning “essence, substance”)
• “Crucial” (from Latin “crux” meaning “cross”)
• “Numerous” (from Latin “numerus” meaning “number”)

Knowing these origins can help you remember the words and use them in appropriate contexts.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Expanding your knowledge of synonyms and antonyms is key to mastering substitution strategies. Here are some examples:

• Synonyms: crucial [ˈkruːʃl] (adjective), essential [ɪˈsenʃl] (adjective), vital [ˈvaɪtl] (adjective)
• Antonyms: insignificant [ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt] (adjective), trivial [ˈtrɪviəl] (adjective)
• Synonyms: substantial [səbˈstænʃl] (adjective), considerable [kənˈsɪdərəbl] (adjective), significant [sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt] (adjective)
• Antonyms: small [smɔːl] (adjective), insignificant [ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt] (adjective)
• Synonyms: numerous [ˈnjuːmərəs] (adjective), abundant [əˈbʌndənt] (adjective), plentiful [ˈplentɪfl] (adjective)
• Antonyms: few [fjuː] (adjective), scarce [skeəs] (adjective)

Memorization Techniques for Substitution Strategies

Mind mapping.

Create mind maps to visually connect simple words with their more advanced alternatives. For example:

• Branches: “Assert”, “Claim”, “Contend”, “Argue”, “Maintain”

Storytelling and Visualization

Create short stories or vivid images to help remember word substitutions. For instance:

“Imagine a crucial crossroads where numerous paths converge, leading to substantial opportunities. However, only those with vital knowledge can navigate this intricate network.”

This story incorporates several advanced substitutions (crucial, numerous, substantial, however, vital) in a memorable context.

Practicing Substitution Strategies

Application exercises.

Rewrite the following sentence using substitution strategies: “The big problem with many cities is that they have a lot of traffic, but not enough public transport.”

Improved version: “A substantial challenge facing numerous urban areas is the excessive volume of vehicular traffic, coupled with inadequate public transportation infrastructure.”

Use substitution strategies to enhance this IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction: “In this essay, I will talk about the good and bad points of social media and give my opinion.”

Enhanced version: “This essay will critically examine the advantages and drawbacks of social media platforms, ultimately presenting a balanced perspective on their societal impact.”

Repetition and Review

To internalize these substitution strategies, practice regularly:

• Create flashcards with simple words on one side and their more sophisticated alternatives on the other.
• Review these flashcards daily, focusing on using the advanced words in your own sentences.
• Keep a journal where you consciously use substitution strategies in your writing.

Mastering substitution strategies is a powerful way to enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. By consistently replacing simple words with more sophisticated alternatives, you can demonstrate a broader vocabulary range and improve your overall language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and application. Start incorporating these strategies into your daily language use, and you’ll see significant improvements in your IELTS scores.

We encourage you to share your experiences with these substitution strategies in the comments below. What challenges have you faced? Which substitutions have you found most useful? Your insights could be invaluable to other IELTS aspirants!

For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guide on how to improve IELTS writing coherence and cohesion , and learn how to make 9.0 IELTS sentences .

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Speaker 1: Hello students, this is Mr. Guy. I'm going to talk to you about paraphrasing. Remember, paraphrasing just means putting other people's words into your own words, communicating something that you read or heard, and putting it into your own words, which shows understanding and also shows good academic honesty. Okay? So before I give you some specific examples, I just want to go through some very quick steps with you that are quite helpful. Okay, step one is read carefully, and this is an important step because we cannot paraphrase what we don't understand, so we need to read carefully, and we need to make sure we understand. Step two, so read carefully and make sure you understand, because that's where the ability to paraphrase comes from. It comes from our understanding. Step three, once you've read and understand, go away and take a break. Let the information process. Let it become part of your brain. This is the way I think of it. It becomes part of your knowledge base. It becomes part of you, and then once it becomes part of you, once you understand it, now you can put it into your own words. Step four, when you return from your nice break, rewrite it. Whatever it is, rewrite it in your own words, and here's a key, without looking. Don't have that text in front of you. Write it in your way, from your memory, and this can be effective. Okay, make sure to change grammar and vocabulary as necessary, and then once you think maybe you've rephrased and you've paraphrased, check to see the differences. Compare the original with what you wrote. Okay, look at the difference in grammar, and look at the difference in words. Words and grammar. Here's an interesting website. It's called handymanonline.com slash paraphrasing hyphen tool dot html. I recommend you google this. Just google handymanonline.com paraphrasing, and I'm sure the website will come up. It's a great way to compare your original text with the one that you wrote. For example, it looks like this. You put the original text here, you know, I like sports, and then here you might say something like, okay, I enjoy athletics, and you get to check to see the differences. I won't go over all the details now, but you put your, put the original phrase or sentence or paragraph there. In here, you put your version, and you look on the bottom to see some of the differences. Okay? So, step six is cite the paraphrased text. You still give the author credit, and you cite it. You don't quote it, but you just give it a citation that says that you got the information somewhere else. Okay? And this is important when it's new information. If it is common knowledge, then you don't need to cite. For example, you know, breakfast is important. This is common knowledge. Everybody knows it. There's no reason to to cite that. It's not an original idea, or it, maybe it was at one point, but it certainly is not a new information these days, so there's no reason to cite. Okay? Now I'm going to go over an example. Sentence level changes. Here is a sentence. New York City, an engaging city with a vibrant ambience and exhilarating pace, is one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. Now I need, I find that to be interesting information, and I'm going to paraphrase it. Again, I'm going to look at vocabulary and grammar. So here's my paraphrased version. I wrote, one of the most popular places in the world to visit is New York. So this kind of takes the place of this. New York is very popular, foremost tourist destination, means that it is one of the most popular places in the world to visit. See, it's a tourist destination, so it's a popular place to visit. To visit is taking the place of tourist destination. People love to visit because an exciting and, because it is exciting and interesting. So that takes the place of this part here, where they're saying that it's exhilarating and engaging. Well, engaging basically means interesting. Exhilarating kind of means, kind of means exciting. So again, simply changing words and changing grammatical structure, and in the end what you have is a paraphrase. Now let's take a look at a paragraph level. It's a bit different. Paragraph level requires a little bit more work. So here's the paragraph. BPA, a toxin resin found in most plastics, can be detrimental to your health. The International Health Organization has done many studies that support this hypothesis. Many scientists believe that the molecules, although in small amounts, enter the body slowly over time. After years of consuming foods and drinks packaged in plastic, the amount of BPA can be dangerous. Now, this can be tough, but what we need to do is notice which words can we not live without. In other words, which words must stay. We cannot change these words, and I chose these words as unable to change. Can't change BPA because that's so specific. You must have that in order to make sense, to communicate the author's ideas. So BPA, International Health Organization, there's no other words for that. In my view, I think molecules need not be changed because it's so specific and it's such a scientific and specialist word, and again BPA can't be changed. But words like detrimental, like if we right-click detrimental, we see the synonyms are negative, damaging, harmful. So these can be easily done. In fact, if you want, you can just say, you can just say, okay, detrimental synonym, and I'm going to say damaging. So there you go, damaging. International Health Organization, no. Studies, now I right- clicked on studies, but none of these words will be appropriate because here the computer thinks it's lessons and training and education, and it's not. But I do know a word, and it could be experiments, or you may think that this word is not replaceable. See, some words may not be replaceable, and there is some judgment that you can use, but what matters most is that the paragraph feels and reads differently than the original. So words like enter, mean like go into, body, not sure, let's take a look, synonyms, physique, build, bulk, organization, group, figure, form, none of these, even though they're synonyms, would actually fit this sentence. So like I said in class, we have to be very careful about just using synonyms, because we have to use the right synonym. And in terms of this paragraph, body is probably necessary, you probably need it. Consuming foods, well that one's easy, consuming foods means eating foods, okay, to consume means to eat, so we can change that. So as you can see, there's some words we can change, and some we can't. Dangerous, we can look at synonyms of dangerous, look at that, hazardous, treacherous, perilous, precarious. The one that I think is the best is unsafe or hazardous, you know, things can be hazardous or detrimental or hazardous, okay. So, or negative for your health, there's lots of ways to do it. The point is that you identify those words that really can't be changed, and then identify those words that can, and you're halfway home. The next part is changing the grammar. So let's take a look at the paragraph that I paraphrased, okay. Here's my version, I said BPA is a dangerous chemical, and according to studies by the International Health Organization, it can have negative impacts on our health. The scientific community has done many experiments and believe that the plastic molecules from the food wrappings make it into our bodies slowly. So enter becomes make it into, yeah, make it into for enter. Over time, the amount of plastics increases, which can be dangerous to our bodies. Now I'm going to bring up the old paragraph, or the original paragraph, and let's see if we can look at some differences. Here, BPA is a dangerous chemical, and according to the International Health Organization, it can have negative impacts on health. Okay, so here it says BPA, a toxin resin found in most plastics, can be detrimental to your health. So detrimental to your health changes to negative impacts. Many scientists believe that the molecules, although small in amounts, enter the body slowly over time. Here I said the scientific community has done many experiments and believe that the plastic molecules from the food wrappings make it into our body slowly. Over time, the amount of plastic increases, which can be dangerous to our bodies. So what you have here is a change of grammar and a change of vocabulary. And of course, notice that some words can't be changed. Some can. Okay, well, that's it. This is a good start to paraphrasing. Look at vocabulary, look at grammar. Know what you can change, know what you can't change. And over time, this will become natural. It will become easy for you. Okay, thank you, and if you have any questions, please remember to ask Mr. Guy, and happy, happy paraphrasing.

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Comparing IELTS Speaking band scores: Band 6 vs Band 7

Understand the difference between a Band 6 and Band 7 performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

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The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English. Your examiner will use the four assessment criteria to assess your speaking performance:

Pronunciation

Lexical resource

Fluency and coherence

Grammatical range and accuracy

Remember that each of these criteria is worth 25% of your overall Speaking score. The assessment criteria used by IELTS examiners are the same for both the General Training and Academic tests.

In this article, you will see different videos comparing the difference between Band 6 and Band 7 performances in all the speaking band descriptors.

Pronunciation criteria assesses how easy it is to understand what you say, and you are assessed on the range of pronunciation features you can use, including stress, intonation and rhythm.

This measures how well you are understood and how clearly (and correctly) you pronounce words.

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource means your ability to choose the right words and phrases to express yourself clearly.

The examiner looks at the kinds of words you use, whether they help make your ideas clear, and whether the words are understandable, appropriate and relevant to the topic.

The use of idiomatic language and less common words are important at higher levels (band 7 and up). This doesn’t mean that you need to use very uncommon words, or phrases and clichés that you have memorised. It takes time and practice to use idiomatic language naturally when discussing a variety of topics.

The examiner also assesses your ability to paraphrase, saying what you mean using different words when you can’t think of the right word or phrase.

Fluency and Coherence

Fluency and Coherence assesses your ability to keep speaking and if you need to hesitate, self-correct and repeat yourself to keep going.

Your examiner will look at how coherent you sound - how your words, ideas and thoughts flow together, using a range of words and phrases to connect and organise your ideas, help you move on to another point.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical Range and Accuracy assesses your ability to produce speech that is grammatically correct using both simple and complex sentence structures.

It is also important to try and limit the number of grammatical errors you make. Become aware of the errors you usually make (e.g. articles, prepositions, subject/verb agreement) so you can make sure that your sentences are accurate.

Band 6 Speaking score: What it means

Band 7 Speaking score: What it means

Learn more about the assessment criteria IELTS examiners use and how the Speaking test is scored. You can also download the IELTS Speaking test assessment criteria as a PDF.

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Published on September 02, 2024

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Paraphrasing in IELTS speaking

The key to a higher score in ielts speaking is paraphrasing..

Updated: September 2023 You are probably aware that paraphrasing is a key skill in IELTS writing and is important for a good Band score if it’s done skillfully, but what about in the speaking section of the exam?

In the IELTS speaking Band descriptors for Band 7 lexical resource , it says : ‘uses paraphrase effectively’ and for Band 4 lexical resource it mentions: ‘rarely attempts to paraphrase’ . So clearly this is important to consider when you are in the IELTS speaking exam.

When the examiner asks you a question if you just ‘parrot’ it or copy the words he or she has used, it could lower your score in vocabulary. Here is a bad example of IELTS speaking part 1 responses.

Topic: Food (part 1 of the speaking test)

What kind of food do you like? The kinds of food I like are spicy such as Thai food and I like Indian food too. Are there any foods you dislike? Yes, I dislike bland food such as tofu or white bread, they are too bland. What food did you like to eat as a child? As a child I liked to eat hamburgers, I sometimes ate cakes when I was a child too. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people? I prefer to eat with other people because I can talk to them while I eat.

So what’s the problem here, can you spot it? It seems to be grammatically correct anyway. See the analysis below.

You will notice that the candidate has used the same words as the examiner from the questions.

What kind of food do you like ? The kinds of food I like are spicy such as Thai food and I like Indian food too.

Are there any foods you dislike yes, i dislike bland food such as tofu or white bread, they are too bland ., what food did you like to eat as a child as a child i liked to eat hamburgers, i sometimes ate cakes when i was   a child too., do you prefer to eat alone or with other people i prefer to eat with other people because i can talk to them while i eat ..

The words In blue are copied from the question. Although the answers are clear and grammatically seem to be correct, the vocabulary is limited and too simple.

Let’s take a look at a good example now with the same questions.

What kind of food do you like? I’m very keen on spicy dishes such as Thai curries, soups, and spicy Thai salads. I’m also into Indian cuisine, in particular, spinach curry with chicken. Are there any foods you dislike? Bland cuisine is not my cup of tea, such as tofu, noodles, or white bread. They just don’t stimulate my taste buds. What food did you like to eat as a child? When I was a kid I was very keen on hamburgers.  I remember I used to go to McDonald’s to get a quarter pounder, not exactly healthy though. I also had a sweet tooth, so I loved cakes. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people? I would rather have dinner or lunch with someone, like my classmates or friends, as I find it more sociable and we can chat about various things. I feel uncomfortable eating on my own.

What can you see that is different here?

You will notice that the responses use the same words as the questions.

1.  What kind of food do you like ? I’m very keen on spicy dishes such as Thai curries, soups, and spicy Thai salads. I’m also into Indian cuisine, in particular, spinach curry with chicken.

• Here I do not use the word ‘food’ .  I say ‘dishes’ and ‘cuisine’ and instead of saying ‘ I like’ I used the phrases ‘I’m very keen on’ and ‘I’m also into…’   I also gave examples of the types of food I like as it is much more specific.

2. Are there any foods you dislike ? Bland cuisine is not my cup of tea , such as tofu, soba noodles, or white bread. They just don’t stimulate my taste buds.

• I didn’t use the word food but I used ‘cuisine’ again and the idiom ‘it’s not my cup of tea’ meaning that I don’t like it. I gave an example of the types of food I don’t like and there is a phrase related to bland food. ‘ They don’t stimulate my taste buds.’

3. What food did you like to eat as a child ? When I was a kid I was very keen on  hamburgers.  I remember I used to go to McDonald’s to get a quarter pounder, not exactly healthy though. I also had a sweet tooth, so I loved cakes.

• I paraphrased ‘as a child’ to  ‘when I was a kid ‘ and the phrase ‘very keen on’ meaning ‘I loved it’. I use ‘used to’ grammar here to refer to the past and ‘ I loved cakes’ also meaning ‘I liked cakes’

4. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people ? I would rather have dinner or lunch with someone , like my classmates or friends , as I find it more sociable and we can chat about various things. I feel uncomfortable eating on my own .

• ‘would rather’ is a paraphrase of ‘prefer’ and notice how I didn’t use the word ‘eat’. Instead, I used the phrase ‘have lunch or dinner’ and I gave an example of the types of ‘people’ i want to eat with and ‘on my own’ to paraphrase ‘alone’

Do I have to paraphrase in all parts of the speaking test?

Yes, in speaking part 2 and part 3 it is the same. Paraphrase where possible but don’t obsess about it. Sometimes you may not be able to think of a synonym or a paraphrase but you can change the grammar slightly.

For example, in part 1 you will most likely get asked:

Do you work or study ? I am studying economics at the moment at Leeds University.

This answer is fine, and notice how I have used the word ‘study’ in a present continuous form. Keep your answers concise in part 1,  but in part 3 you need to support your views with an example so the answer will be longer.

Example part 3 question

Question: What are the pros and cons of living in a large city? Well, I’d say that the advantages of residing in a large urban area are that salaries tend to be much higher than in smaller towns,  and transport infrastructure is more efficient and developed. For example, when I lived in London my yearly income was at least 5000 pounds more than when I was living in Hereford. I could also use the extensive tube and bus network to get anywhere in London quickly. For the downsides , I reckon it’s the stress of commuting to work every day and the high cost of rent. Although salaries are higher, living costs are exorbitant, particularly in London. I also remember the rush hour in London it was awful, everyone was packed into the trains like sardines.

So you are probably thinking that it’s a long answer. This is because the question is asking me 2 things: the pros and the cons , so I tried to cover the question in more detail, notice the example I gave too. I also used the idiom ‘packed like sardines’ .Be careful when using idioms as they could lower your score if you don’t know how to use them correctly.

In some cases, the answer will not be this long, but most importantly you can see I have avoided using the words in the question.

Is the speaking test formal in IELTS?

No, you can speak freely in an informal manner (no slang and be careful of using idioms). It is the writing part of IELTS that needs formal language, except IELTS general informal letters in writing task 1.

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