ielts academic paraphrasing Archives - Preparation for the IELTS Exam

Writing an introduction without paraphrasing

May 26, 2020 by Ray IELTS Focus

Do you have to paraphrase the task question when writing an IELTS essay?

This is a question I was recently asked. The answer is ….well no you don’t have to paraphrase but I would advise it if you want a higher score (Band 7 or 8).

If you are really concerned about your paraphrasing abilities and you just can’t get it right, or if you are aiming for a Band 6 or 6.5, then just write a short 2 or 3 sentence introduction with a thesis statement only.

Paraphrasing in IELTS Speaking

July 19, 2021December 6, 2019 by Ray IELTS Focus

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

Updated: July 2021

You are probably aware that paraphrasing is a key skill in IELTS writing and is important for a good Band score, but what about in Speaking?

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 speaking exam.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Paraphrasing statistics

June 14, 2023October 18, 2018 by Ray IELTS Focus

Paraphrasing percentages and statistics in IELTS academic writing task 1.

Updated: June 2023.

One thing that can be challenging in IELTS writing task 1 academic is how to report on all the data in a chart or graph. Something that can help your vocabulary band score is using specific language, such as the language of approximation, proportion and fractions to paraphrase percentages.

Paraphrasing by changing sentence structure

March 30, 2020January 9, 2018 by Ray IELTS Focus

Useful paraphrasing technique in IELTS writing task 2.

One of the most important skills in IELTS writing is being able to paraphrase. This means to change the wording or the sentence structure but retain the same meaning.

It’s a challenge for many students doing IELTS to get used to this skill as you need to have a wide vocabulary and know how to use synonyms correctly.

There are 2 main ways to paraphrase. This can be done either with synonyms or by changing the structure of the sentence while adjusting the word-formation. In the writing section, you need to use this skill when starting the introduction of your essay. Let’s take a look at an example below.

IELTS paraphrasing practice

October 20, 2021September 20, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Exercises on Paraphrasing the task question.

Updated: Oct 20th 2021

In the last paraphrasing exercise here we looked at paraphrasing a part of a body paragraph. Here is a useful blog post on How to paraphrase in IELTS writing.

Paraphrasing is an important skill to practice in IELTS and is necessary for the writing tasks. If you can paraphrase well it shows that you have a wide range of vocabulary and this goes toward getting a high band score in Lexical resource.

How to write an IELTS thesis statement.

July 28, 2022June 12, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS essay introductions and thesis statements.

updated: July 27th 2022.

When writing the introduction of an IELTS essay there are two steps that need to be taken. Paraphrase the task question and write a Thesis Statement. If the question asks for an opinion then it must be in the thesis statement. It depends on the type of essay you are writing as they are not all the same. It is advisable to write a thesis in the introduction for every type of essay. A good thesis statement can help you get a good band score in task response in the writing section.

IELTS Reading: ‘True False Not Given’ strategies

September 14, 2023June 7, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Techniques and tips for IELTS reading ‘True False Not Given’

Updated: September 2023.

Many IELTS students have problems with True False Not Given and Yes No Not Given texts. Once you understand the techniques and you have fully practiced this type of question, then you will realise they are easier than you think.

IELTS reading is testing your vocabulary so being able to spot paraphrases, collocations, synonyms, and speed reading is crucial. The techniques are the same for Yes No Not Given questions but ‘Yes, No, Not Given’ texts are about the writer’s opinions, not facts.

IELTS paraphrasing practice

April 29, 2021May 25, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

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.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay: Writing an effective introduction

December 1, 2019March 8, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Writing a good introduction to a problem solution essay.

One of the main skills for getting a good band score in IELTS writing task 2 is how clear and effective the introduction is. This shows the examiner what your essay is going to be about and helps your task response score.

You will need to spend a couple of minutes analyzing and fully understanding the task question, then decide what type of essay it is and what kind of thesis statement you need to write. The rest of the essay will expand on your thesis statement so you need to get it right. Your position must be clear in the introduction and main body paragraphs as well as the conclusion. There are two steps to writing a good introduction.

How to paraphrase in IELTS writing

August 26, 2022February 13, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Paraphrasing in IELTS essays.

Updated: August 2022

An important skill in IELTS writing is being able to paraphrase the task question. Paraphrasing means to say something in your own words while keeping the same meaning.

In the introduction of your essay, the first thing you should do is paraphrase the topic question by changing the structure of the sentences or changing the formation of the words. This can be done using synonyms (words with the same meaning). Remember that if you just copy the original question word for word you may lose marks. However, you do not have to paraphrase every single word especially if there are no synonyms that accurately match.