IELTS Paraphrasing lesson and practice exercise.
Updated: April 29th 2021
One of the most important skills in IELTS writing is the ability to paraphrase. In IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 you are marked on your ability to use vocabulary effectively. Therefore, if paraphrasing is done accurately it can demonstrate to the examiner that you have a good grasp of vocabulary. Paraphrasing means changing the words so they have the same meaning.
This can be done by using synonyms or changing the grammatical structure. However, this takes a lot of practice because inaccurate paraphrasing will lead to a lower score. For more information on how to paraphrase the introduction in essays check out the links below.
Useful links
Step by step guide to paraphrasing the introduction.
Paraphrasing by changing the sentence structure
Introductions without the need to paraphrase.
This skill is important to practice because it goes towards your marks for vocabulary in the exam. Below is part of a paragraph from an IELTS problem solution essay about obesity.
Can you paraphrase this paragraph?
(Remember: you don’t need to paraphrase everything)
‘..Another problem that needs to be considered is that a lack of exercise contributes to obesity. As a result of leading a busy life and pressures at work, many people are just too tired to go to the gym or join a sports club. For example, after a hard day at work, many people prefer to just come home and sit in front of the TV and on weekends go out with friends. When people do have time off or a vacation they tend to relax and recover. ‘
Here are the words you can use, but you don’t need to use every word. Some of the words do not match well.
being overweight / laze / hectic / an additional / free time / holiday
take it easy / due to / issue / activity / fat / thought about / adds to
should be / tough / as opposed to / citizens / taken into consideration / recreation club
non stop / would rather / not enough / exhausted / take part in / responsibilities
Click below for answers and analysis. (make sure you try the exercise first before checking)