paraphrasing tips in ielts

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How to Paraphrase Successfully in IELTS

Paraphrasing in IELTS is essential for a high score in IELTS. This page contains tips on paraphrasing to maximise your score. You need to learn to to identify paraphrases in IELTS listening and reading. For IELTS writing and speaking, you need to learn to paraphrase using your own words. Students who are good at paraphrasing will do better in all parts of their IELTS test.

This page will review 6 tips for paraphrasing in IELTS:

• using synonyms
• not changing all words
• avoiding mistakes
• changing word forms
• changing sentence stucture
• paraphrasing and band scores
• paraphrasing practice lessons

1. Using Synonyms

In IELTS one way to paraphrase is to use synonyms. Using different words with a similar meaning shows the examiner a range of vocabulary which you need to get over band score 6. Here is an example of how a sentence can be re-written by using synonyms:

The reasons for increasing levels of pollution are the development of industry and air travel.

The sentence above can be paraphrased as:

The causes of rising levels of pollution are the growth and expansion of industry as well as the number of people travelling by air.

Here is a list of how the sentence was altered using synonyms.

• causes = reasons
• increasing = rising
• the development of = the growth and expansion of
• and = as well as
• air travel = travelling by air
• Notice: you can see that the words “levels of pollution” and “industry” have not be changed. This is fine. Not all words need to be changed. In fact, the word “pollution” is best not changed. See tip number 2, below:

2. Not All Words Need Changing

Not all words need to be changed for a high score in IELTS. You can see from the example above that some words have remained the same “levels of pollution / industry / air). This means you need to decide which words to paraphrase and which words to keep the same.

Decide which words you can successfully paraphrase and which ones you will keep. Be selective. A high level student knows when to change words and when now to change words.

If you try to paraphrase too much, you might:

• make mistakes which will lower your score
• change the meaning which might result in you going off topic
• See tip number 3, below:

Here is a link to more  practice paraphrasing for IELTS.

3. Avoiding Mistakes

The more mistakes you make with vocabulary in IELTS writing and speaking, the lower your score will be. Paraphrasing is a skill. Synonyms do not have exactly the same meaning and cannot always be used at the same time .

Watch this video below to get useful tips on paraphrasing for writing task 1 and writing task 2.

4. Changing the Word Form

Another way to paraphrase sentences is to change the form of the word. This means we use the same words as IELTS but change their form. Here is an example:

Many people are unhealthy because they fail to eat well and exercise.

This can be paraphrased by changing the word form of “unhealthy”, “fail” and “exercise”.

Many people have poor health because they are failing to eat well and are not exercising enough.

You can see from the above example, that many of the words are the same but the form is changed.

• unhealthy = poor health
• fail = failing
• exercise = exercising

This demonstrates excellent vocabulary skills to the examiner and will help you get a good score for vocabulary. It shows that you understand the words very well and can use them in different ways.

If you watch the video below about writing an introduction for IELTS writing task 2, you will see again how words can be paraphrased by changing their form and using synonyms.

Writing an Introduction for an IELTS Essay

Common word forms examples.

• developing = the development of
• increasing = an increase in
• pollution = being polluted
• explain = explanation

5. Changing Sentence Structure

Another way to paraphrase successfully is to change the order to words in a sentence. This means changing the structure of the sentence. Taking the example from above again:

You can see there are two clauses “Many people are unhealthy” and the second clause “because they fail to eat well and exercise”.

We can change the order of the clauses:

Many people fail to eat well and exercise and, for that reason, they are unhealthy.

Lets make more changes to the sentence. Now we can also paraphrase by altering the word form as we did previously. The final sentence would be:

Failing to eat well and not exercising are the reasons that many people have poor health.

6. Paraphrasing & IELTS Band Scores

Of course paraphrasing will help your band score for the criterion of vocabulary.

Band Score 5

•  Minimum Range of Vocabulary
• Frequent Errors which cause problems with meaning

Band Score 6

• Adequate Range of Vocabulary
• Some Errors but the meaning is clear

Band Score 7

• Sufficient Range of Vocabulary

Band Score 8

• Wide Range of Vocabulary
• Most sentences are Error Free

You can see that you need to show a range of words which means you need to paraphrase. But you also need to reduce your errors which means don’t try to paraphrase too much and don’t make mistakes.

Following the above tips (using synonyms, not paraphrasing all words, avoiding errors, changing the word form and changing the sentence structure) will help you achieve the highest score.

7. Paraphrasing Practice

It is essential that you practice paraphrasing and using synonyms. You can find some paraphrasing practice lessons on the links below.

• My IELTS Reading Main Page which contains lessons for paraphrasing and using synonyms as well as lots of lessons for TFNG and other question types that appear in IELTS reading.
• My IELTS Writing Task 2 Main Page which contains lots of tips for essay writing as well as paraphrasing practice.

Main IELTS Pages Develop your IELTS skills with tips, lessons, free videos and more. IELTS Listening IELTS Reading IELTS Writing Task 1 IELTS Writing Task 2 IELTS Speaking Vocabulary for IELTS

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Hello! First of all, thank you for all of those advices! My question is quite basic : it’s the first time I’m doing a IELTS training, and if I’m not mistaken, the writting tast 2 is : we have subject, and we need to develop. So, when exactly can we use paraphrase? If I have a text that I need to analyze, I would understand, but I looked over some subjects, and there are no such things… So when do the paraphrasing skills come into play?

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ Read all pages to learn more about writing task 2.

Hi there, Dear Liz. I have question for you because I got confused on this matter. Can we use the structure like “The given is a line graph illustrating…. Thanks in advance. I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

IELTS writing is about being accurate. So try to avoid being too creative with your writing. Task 1 is a report for the academic test. Keep to report language. See my model answers for task 1 to learn how to begin your report: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ . No, your suggestion isn’t an option.

Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth amongst the poorer ones by providing food and education? Or is it the responsiblilty of the governments to look after its people interests themselves.

How do you paraphrase this type of sentence. Its a question.

While some people think rich countries should be forced to support poorer countries with food and education, others think the poor countries should help themselves.

Hi Liz, thank you so much Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion and as a result, people gravitate towards buying their products. What problems does this cause? What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?

Nowadays, you can see on the social network or TV that lots of advertisements because of a large number of businesses have extremely more budgets related to doing advertising. Hence, people are interesting and trying to buying their products. In this essay, I will explain that marketing is not bringing some kind of problems and also I believe that naturally advertising that about the local products so beneficial for people to buy them.

You can use the words “marketing” and “promotion”. Are you allowed to use those words. You don’t have to avoid them. Also do not write “this essay will…”. The examiner knows it’s an essay. All you need to do is put down your causes in the intro and add the solutions if you want.

Hi Liz, thank you so much for amazing exam tips and videos. I need your help to determine whether I did paraphrasing correctly or not:)

Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects , like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment.

Due to increasing university fees and paucity of employment opportunities, Some people argue that university should not teach subjects like philosophy and history, and only provide practical degree courses that increases chances of getting job

You are trying to change words instead of just writing it your own way. Take the whole meaning rather than word for word. It’s fine to paraphrase as you have but it is not flexible. If you are aiming for band 6 and 6.5, it’s fine. But for band 7, 8 and 9, you want to show more skills and the ability to express yourself your way.

Some people think that, due to the lack of graduate jobs and the high cost of university, subjects such as philosophy or other arts degrees should not be offered and the focus should be on vocational degrees with a clear aim of employment. In my opinion, …

Dear Mam Liz, First of all thank you for your amazing website I have given my ielts exam on 17 November and task 1was about two bar graph representing the participation of boys and girls on cultural and sports activities in the university of Australia in the year 2003. I think, I forgot to mention the country while paraphrasing the introduction.Does it impact seriously on my score?(i mean a 0.5 band difference in task achievement).Now i still have 10 long days to get the result,I am really tensed. Thanks Awaiting for your reply

Your score is not calculated in that way. It is not possible to predict a score based on one single thing.

thank you……..

How to paraphrase following statement, which has two sentences.

Some people think it is more beneficial to play sports that are played in teams. However, some people think it is beneficial to play individual games. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

While it is thought by some that team sports are more beneficial, others believe individual sports are better.

Hello Liz I really need your help in this essay. It was in IELTS Cambridge book 12. In many places new homes are needed but only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it’s important to protect countryside and not build new homes there. What is your opinion about this?? My question is how to answer such a question. Do I have to state importance of countryside and than state advantages of building homes in city center. …I’m confused and I’m short of ideas as well. ..Pls help me Thanks alot

Try to write yourself a question: Do you think new homes should be built in the countryside rather than in cities? That is the issue in the essay question. Nearly all questions relate to current world issues. Cities are becoming more crowded and it is hard to build homes there so should we build in the countryside instead? All you need to do is answer the question with your opinion and then explain your opinion.

Well thanks very much…I do hope to write a good supportive essay

Thanks a lot Liz.

Hi mam, I am very confused with the thesis for discussion essay. Please help me

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi liz..i took my ielts academic test.there was a bar chart with two information..once i completed my writing i noticed that i have mixed up the two details given in the graph and my whole analysis was based on this mix up..how badly will it affect my band score..im looking for 7..

It will affect your score for Task Achievement and also possibly for CC.

Is there any difference between academic or GT essay.

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/

Hi Liz, Can I use for in place of because? Many people have poor health for they are failing to excercise and are not exercising enough.

You can use “as”, not “for”. “Many people have poor health AS they are failing to exercise OR are not exercising enough” Review both your linking words and prepositions.

I honestly enjoyed watching this video. Knowledge is power indeed. Thanks Liz.

Glad it was useful 🙂

Thanks a lot for this useful lesson and priceless tips .😻

Hi Liz, thanks.

Hi Liz Thankyou your tips are very helpful and easy to understand. I have question about writing introduction in task2. How many word limit are required in introduction of task2. Thankyou

There is no word limit, only recommendations. See my main writing task 2 page.

thanks mam this post is very useful.

thanks liz mam .this is very useful for me.

it is a priceless lesson..thanks indeed

please I have a question

in (discussion essay and give your opinion) should I only write my opinion in the introduction and restate it in the conclusion ? or should I write a separate body paragraph explaining my opinion..? thanks in advance

The opinion is equally as important as the discussion – intro, body and concl.

Tq Liz.. Ur providing valuable tips, I like ur videos very much and the way u explain is awesome .😃😃

I have a question about opinion essay, do we have to write ( in my opinion, I partially agree) in case I’m partially agreeing with the statement ?!

And, can I write In my opinion, I agree/disagree with the previous statement. Doing daily exercise …my ideas ??

You can learn about how to express your opinion on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

It is very useful to improve paraphrasing and vocabulary.

It is so clear and useful.thanks a lot

Thanks Liz… I love your lessons, very clear and precise. Keep up the good work. I will be writing the IELTS on the 2nd of December. Wish me luck, as i need to score 8 and above in all the test criteria.☺☺

The key to band 8 is two fold: 1) Avoid errors in English (this is particularly strict in writing). This is one of the main differences between 7 and 8. Band 8 means the majority of sentences are error free. 2) Learn as much as you can about the test, the requirements and the techniques. Good luck!!

Thanks Liz.

Dear Liz, first thank you very much for your plenty valuable tips for WT-1 & WT-2, which i did used in my IELTS exam (28th Oct. 2017), and hope my band score must be improve because your ‘r my guide person. And result will be announce on coming 10th or 11th Nov. 2017. Again thx & God bless you

Hello Liz, This is vry useful. Nd thank u so much

I need your help to understand what is required for band 7+ essay. Any suggestions in this regard would be helpful. May be do’s or don’t or some tips we can follow to ensure atleast we are covering what is needed for 7+ essay.

There is a link to band score tips and information on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Thank you Liz.

Hello Liz, Thanks so much for your tips in IELTS exams.I hope to get high band score.

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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.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

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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Download IELTS eBooks ,  get everything you need to achieve a high band score

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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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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7 best ways to paraphrase effectively in the IELTS essay

Are you ready to take your ielts writing skills to the next level look no further the ielts essay is a crucial part of the ielts exam, and mastering the art of paraphrasing can make a world of difference in your scores. so, let’s dive into some exciting tips and strategies that will turbocharge your paraphrasing abilities and set you on the path to success, table of contents, what is paraphrasing and why is it needed in an ielts essay, use of synonyms, change the word forms, change the word order, changing active to passive voice, sentence restructuring, change the order of clauses, practice paraphrasing via sample tests, key takeaways.

The IELTS essay serves as a means to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers . It presents a variety of value-based, opinion-based, and argument analysis questions, requiring candidates to demonstrate their comprehension and communication abilities effectively. To excel in such tasks and achieve the best scores, one must employ good paraphrasing techniques.

Paraphrasing involves rephrasing a sentence while preserving its original meaning. This can be achieved by altering words, restructuring sentences, and applying other paraphrasing methods. Such a skill is not only valuable for IELTS essay writing but also a fundamental aspect of communication in everyday life. Whether summarizing books, movies, or sharing information with others, we naturally resort to paraphrasing.

Strategic ways to paraphrase in an IELTS essay

Knowing how to rephrase is the first step towards effectively paraphrasing information for the IELTS essay. There are multiple ways to paraphrase information for your IELTS essay topics; some of the best ones are discussed below.

Synonyms are words that have identical or similar meanings, making them interchangeable in a given context. In IELTS essay questions, you can effectively substitute a sequence of words with their synonyms without altering the intended meaning of the sentence.

To apply the synonym paraphrase technique, simply replace the original words in the sentence with others that possess comparable meanings. Let’s illustrate this with an example to help you grasp the concept more easily:

• Original- Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires immediate action.
• Rephrased- Addressing climate change is an urgent worldwide concern that necessitates prompt measures.

It is another paraphrasing technique that makes your IELTS essay unique. This requires you to change the form of the word without actually altering the core meaning of the sentence. All you have to do is change nouns into verbs and verbs into adjectives or vice versa. This allows you to showcase your versatility in the English language and helps you score well in an IELTS essay with answers that are paraphrased effectively. Here is an example of this type of paraphrasing-

• Original – The study found that exercise can positively impact your health.
• Rephrased – According to the study, engaging in physical activity offers a multitude of health advantages.

Rearranging the word order in a sentence is a simple yet effective method for paraphrasing information in the IELTS essay writing format. This technique involves adding, omitting, or altering words within the sentence structure.

It stands as one of the most straightforward approaches to paraphrasing in IELTS essay questions. However, it is essential to ensure that the sentences remain error-free and coherent. You can even blend synonyms with changes in word order to achieve smart paraphrasing. The example below illustrates this type of paraphrasing more effectively-

• Original – The government implemented new policies to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in the country.
• Rephrased – In order to foster economic growth and generate employment prospects, the government introduced new policies.

When you assess past IELTS essay examples, you will find that most questions will be asked in an active voice. It is important to understand how and when to switch between active and passive voice while expressing your viewpoints and discussing various topics in an IELTS essay.

Changing active voice into passive voice and vice versa is easy. All you have to do is place the object of the sentence at the beginning and change the form of the verb according to its existing verb. A knowledge and remembrance of active-passive rules would be a plus here. Here is how you can do it-

• Original – The chef cooked a delicious meal.
• Rephrased- A delicious meal was cooked by the chef.

It is another effective way of paraphrasing a sentence without hampering its actual meaning. This form of paraphrasing requires you to swap the order of words, change some words using synonyms, and check to see if it looks natural.

Only the structure of the sentence changes while the meaning stands still. It is common for students to make mistakes while restructuring the sentence , as it also requires maintaining the flow of the sentence. Here is an example of sentence restructure-

• Original – I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict.
• Rephrased – Due to a scheduling conflict, I will be unable to attend the meeting tomorrow.

Changing the order of clauses also helps you achieve uniqueness in your IELTS essay. Notably, clauses are groups of words containing a subject and verb . Every sentence can have one or more than one clause, which must be identified first while paraphrasing any sentence.

All you have to do is change the order of the clauses and frame a sentence that looks meaningful and natural. They are generally easy to paraphrase, but some students may find it difficult. An easy example is illustrated below to remind you of the basics-

• Original – Although she was tired, she continued working on her project.
• Rephrased – She continued working on her project, although she was tired.

The most effective approach to amalgamate all the previously discussed tips is through consistent practice of paraphrasing with IELTS essay samples. This dedicated practice enables you to refine your paraphrasing skills specifically tailored to the types of questions commonly encountered in the IELTS essay.

By engaging with sample IELTS papers, you not only gain valuable experience in paraphrasing within the time constraints but also get an opportunity to assess and analyze your performance. Focus on crafting distinct and original responses while practicing with these essay samples.

• Paraphrasing is essential for expressing ideas in a clear and concise manner. It is crucial for IELTS as it also demonstrates language proficiency and effective communication skills.
• Any IELTS aspirant can master the art of paraphrasing by using multiple techniques like the use of synonyms, and changing word and clause order or word forms.
• The key to mastering all these paraphrasing techniques is to practice them on IELTS essay samples.

We hope our blog helped you better understand the importance of paraphrasing and how to effectively use it in the IELTS examination to score better. If you require further assistance with your test preparation then feel free to reach out to us!

Liked this blog? Read next: How to Prepare for IELTS Exam | 5 expert tips

1Q- Are there any common mistakes to avoid while paraphrasing in the IELTS essay?

Answer: Yes, some common mistakes include changing the original meaning, misusing synonyms, and overcomplicating sentences. Ensure your paraphrased answers remain accurate and easy to understand.

2Q- What is considered unacceptable paraphrasing in an IELTS essay?

Answer: Unacceptable paraphrasing in an IELTS essay occurs when candidates plagiarize answers by directly copying phrases from the questions without altering word placement. Such responses are not permitted in the IELTS writing paper.

3Q- What is the most common method to paraphrase in IELTS?

Answer: Using synonyms is the most common way using which IELTS aspirants paraphrase in their

writing test.

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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:

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

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

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.

Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

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.

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

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

Transitional Phrases for Essays

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

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

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

How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps

Learn key steps on how to write an IELTS Essay. This guides you on how to write a great essay plus other lessons to improve your writing skills.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

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.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

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.

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

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

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

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.

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

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

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

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

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

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.

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

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

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How to paraphrase in academic task 1

Home  »  IELTS academic task 1 » How to paraphrase

Paraphrasing is an essential skill for both academic task 1 and  task 2 .

And, as you probably know, it’s also extremely useful for the IELTS reading and IELTS listening components of the IELTS exam .

In this tutorial you will learn: 

• The essentials of paraphrasing
• A structure for your academic task report
• A complete list of phrases and terms to help you (over 14 terms)
• Resources of high level graphic descriptions

Paraphrasing involves manipulating the words in a sentence or phrase so that they read differently but convey the same meaning. It is also called re-writing, and you should learn to do it before taking your IELTS test.

It can also help in listening and reading tests, though it’s mainly used in speaking and writing. Simply put, you’ll have a better chance of achieving your desired score if you know how to paraphrase.

To learn the paraphrasing skill to perfection, you can always take assistance from a paraphrasing tool that expresses the same idea in different ways.

Paraphrasing requires mental processes and can help you understand questions better; this is one reason why I encourage students to paraphrase test questions before answering them.

In task 1, the first sentence must always be a paraphrased version of the question / title. Paraphrasing (or re-writing) can be done in a number of ways, but the easiest is to replace words with their synonyms.

You can prove to the examiner that you have a broad vocabulary and that you can use it effectively by paraphrasing the sentence using a few simple synonyms. This will score you more points in the test.

This should be your initial paragraph and you should let your examiner know you’re starting a new one by skipping a line.

An example description of a question from an IELTS Task 1 is shown below:

The proportion of the population aged 50 and above in three different states in the USA between 1920 and 2020 is shown in the graphs below.

I can quickly craft a good description by paraphrasing this description:

The line graphs compare the percentage of individuals aged 50 and above, as measured over a century in three U.S. states.

Information about the per-capita percentage of car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is given in the chart below.

Summarize the information by making comparisons where necessary and picking out and reporting on the main features.

First sentence

The increase in car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is shown in the chart.

When should we paraphrase on IELTS?

You need to paraphrase a phrase, word or an idea in several ways in IELTS writing task 1 and 2.

For instance, if you use the word "school" in a paragraph, use words like "university", "academic institution" or "college" in the rest of the essay.

How does a re-written sentence fit into the remaining part of my essay?

The second paragraph of an essay with four paragraphs should be the overview:

• Paragraph 1- Paraphrased sentence
• Paragraph 2- Overview
• Paragraph 3- Details
• Paragraph 4- Details

Writing the overview before the details lets the examiner know that you understand the main features and helps you when you write out the details. That's why I tell my students to do it. You simply take the points you stated in your overview and back them up with data in the details paragraphs.

Is a conclusion necessary?

Not at all. Conclusions are just a summary of your opinions or ideas. Writing a conclusion is not mandatory, because this is not an opinion essay. Save your conclusions for task 2 .

Here are some common words/phrases and their paraphrased versions:

• chart = bar chart ( click here to learn how to describe a bar chart )
• graph = line graph
• shows = illustrates (or 'compares' if the graph is comparing)
• diagram = figure
• people in the UK = British
• people in Australia = Australians
• information = data
• from 1997 to 2000 = between 1997 and 2000
• the number of = the figure for
• from 1997 to 2000 = over a period of 3 years = over three years
• the proportion of = the figure for
• how to produce = the process of producing
• proportion = percentage (segment and fraction are also useful terms for describing a pie chart )
• in three countries = in the UK, Australia and New Zealand (i.e., name the countries)

Tips for answering a map question

Here are practical ways to help you get the first sentence in task 1 completed correctly and more quickly:

• Look at the question and the title of the graph/chart. You'll get to know what you need to write.
• Never copy all the words in the question -you can’t do this, because the examiner will not count those words when evaluating your work
• Don't change all the words in the question. Instead, change some and keep others.
• You can’t repeat whole sentences and long phrases, but you can borrow words. Also, remember that some common or technical words cannot be easily replaced.
• Be sure to include the main ideas/points in the question, and write the main topic of the chart/graph.
• With practice, one sentence or maybe two shorter ones will be enough – don’t write too much here.
• Describe the topic in the first sentence – don’t try to write a summary of the entire chart's details.
• Read a newspaper article and write a summary yourself. Show it to a friend. Here are some samples of academic task 1 essays. And here are some professional non-ielts sources written by experts: Economist Daily Chart , Guardian Data .
• The phrase "figures for/the figure for" is a good one that most people don't use. For example, 'figures for unemployment in 5 countries are shown on the graph'.
• You’ll be able to write the introduction for task 1 swiftly and start the test confidently if you practice this strategy.

Now that we understand the exam’s marking system, we can prevent common errors that reduce scores and give the examiners exactly what they want.

Audio tutorial

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| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud | Transcript |

More useful IELTS Academic Task 1 lessons:

• Academic Task 1 Sample Essays
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• Describe an image 
• Describe a natural process
• How to describe a table
• Line graph sample answer
• Marking criteria for Task 1
• Map vocabulary for IELTS Task 1
• How to describe a flow chart
• Essential skills for Task 1
• How to get band 9 for academic task 1
• How to describe a process diagram
• Free Essay Band Score Evaluation
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• Jump to Band 7 or it’s Free
• IELTS Writing Evaluation
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• Useful Sentences
• Sample Task 2 Questions 2022
• Introduction to Paraphrasing
• Model Band 9 Essay
• Five Band 9 Words
• Model Band 7 Essay
• Differences Band 9 vs Band 7 Essay
• Band 6.5 Essay
• Academic Collocations
• Topic Sentences
• Discuss Both Views
• Tutorial: To What Extent Essays
• Paraphrasing Introductions
• Essay Structures
• Essay Plans
• Describe a Pie Chart
• Using Percentages
• Map Vocabulary
• Describe Flow Charts
• Describe a Bar Chart
• How to get Band 9
• AT 1 Sample Questions 2022
• Describe a Graphic
• GT Task 1 Questions 2022
• IELTS Vocabulary
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• Task 2 Sample Questions
• AT 1 Questions

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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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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.

Any questions? Leave a comment below.

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How to Get 9 Bands in IELTS? Check New Tips and Tricks

Scoring a Band 9 in IELTS is a significant achievement and requires a strong foundation in English proficiency across all four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking . Regular practice is crucial. Utilize official practice tests from IDP or the British Council and explore other reliable resources like past papers and mock tests.

Remember achieving a Band 9 requires dedication and consistent effort with the right approach and resources you can reach your target score.

In this article, You will get to know about How you can get 9 Bands in IELTS, IELTS Test Format 2024 and Tips to get 9 Band in the Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening Test of IELTS 2024.

Table of Content

IELTS Test Format 2024

• How to Get 9 Bands in IELTS

Tips to get 9 Bands in Reading Test – IELTS 2024

Tips to get 9 bands in writing test – ielts 2024, tips to get 9 bands in speaking test – ielts 2024, tips to get 9 bands in listening test – ielts 2024, how to get 9 bands in ielts – faqs.

The format for the IELTS test in 2024 remains the same as in previous years. It consists of four sections that assess your English abilities:

The entire test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes . Here’s a breakdown of each section:

• Time: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet)
• Number of Parts: 4
• Number of Questions: 40 (10 questions per part)
• Question Types: You’ll hear recordings from various native English speakers in different contexts (conversations, lectures, monologues). Questions will test your ability to understand the main idea, specific details, function, opinion, and attitude of speakers.
• Time: 60 minutes
• Number of Sections: 3 (passages with increasing difficulty)
• Number of Questions: 40
• Question Types: You’ll be given three long texts (descriptive, factual, analytical) on various topics of general interest. Questions will test your ability to skim for main ideas, identify specific information, understand the writer’s purpose, analyze logical arguments, and interpret vocabulary in context.
• Time: 60 minutes (20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2)
• Number of Tasks: 2
• Question Types:
• Task 1: (Varies depending on Academic or General Training test)
• Academic: Summarize information from a graph, chart, diagram, or process in at least 150 words.
• General Training: Write a letter requesting information, complaining, or making an application (at least 150 words).
• Task 2: Write an essay in response to a prompt. The essay should be at least 250 words and demonstrate your ability to analyze a topic, develop arguments, and use a clear structure.
• Time: 11 to 14 minutes (individual test with an examiner)
• Number of Parts: 3
• Part 1: Introduction and interview about familiar topics (hobbies, work, family).
• Part 2: Cue Card task – You’ll be given a card with a topic and questions. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.
• Part 3: Discussion – The examiner will ask follow-up questions related to the topic from Part 2, encouraging a more in-depth discussion.

It’s important to remember that these are just general details. For specific examples of question types and practice materials, refer to the official IELTS website or other preparation resources.

IELTS Scoring

IELTS scoring follows a band system from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest) for each of the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and for the overall test score. Here’s a breakdown of how scoring works:

Individual Section Scores

• Each section is graded by a highly trained examiner based on specific criteria related to your proficiency in that skill area.
• Scores are awarded based on your performance, not a strict right-or-wrong system.
• For the Listening and Reading sections, there’s a conversion table that translates the number of correct answers to a band score. However, examiners use their judgment alongside these tables to account for unexpected difficulties or patterns in your responses.
• Writing and Speaking tests are assessed based on your ability to demonstrate specific skills like grammar, vocabulary, task completion, and fluency.

Overall Score

• Your overall IELTS score is the average of your scores from all four sections.
• Scores are rounded to the nearest half-band (for example – 6.5). Scores ending in .25 are rounded up to the next half band (for example – 7.25 becomes 7.5).

Each section is scored on a band scale from 0 (no user) to 9 (expert user).

• Band 1-3: Beginner
• Band 4-5: Intermediate
• Band 6-7: Upper-Intermediate
• Band 8-9: Advanced

Must Read: IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise IELTS Exam Paper Pattern, Question Types

How to Get 9 Bands in IELTS?

Achieving a Band 9 in the IELTS is quite challenging, but achievable with dedication and strategic preparation. Remember achieving a Band 9 requires consistent effort and focused practice. Utilize the resources available, stay motivated and don’t hesitate to seek help from qualified instructors or preparation courses.

Here are some tips to maximize your score:

General Tips:

• Strong English Foundation: This is a must. Ensure you have a solid grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures.
• Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure, question types, and time constraints for each section.
• Practice with Official Resources: Utilize practice tests from the official IELTS website.

Section-Specific Tips:

• Active Listening: Practice focusing on key details and anticipating upcoming information.
• Predictive Techniques: Learn to predict upcoming words/phrases based on context.
• Selective Attention: Train yourself to filter out background noise and focus on the speaker’s main points.
• Skimming and Scanning: Develop these skills to quickly locate specific information in passages.
• Vocabulary Building: Expand your vocabulary in academic areas.
• Time Management: Practice completing reading passages within the time limit.
• Task Analysis: Thoroughly understand the writing task and all its requirements.
• Organize Your Ideas: Develop a clear structure for your essay or summary.
• Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar: Showcase your ability to use complex language accurately.
• Proofread: Review your writing for mistakes in grammar, spelling, and coherence.
• Fluency and Accuracy: Speak naturally while maintaining grammatical correctness.
• Topic Expansion: Go beyond simply answering the question. Provide examples, and explanations, and elaborate on your points.
• Express Opinions: Don’t be afraid to express your views and support them with reasons.

Additional Tips:

• Mock Tests: Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
• Feedback: Get feedback on your writing and speaking from a qualified teacher or native speaker.
• Immerse Yourself in English: Surround yourself with English as much as possible. Read English newspapers, watch movies/TV shows in English, and listen to English podcasts.
• Confidence: Believe in yourself and your abilities. A positive attitude goes a long way.

Scoring a Band 9 in the IELTS Reading test is tough but with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances. Here are some specific strategies to focus on:

Pre-Reading Strategies:

• Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the various question formats used in the Reading test (e.g., Multiple Choice, Matching Headings, True/False/Not Given). This way, you’ll know what information to look for while reading.
• Skimming and Scanning Techniques: Master these skills! Skimming involves quickly grasping the overall meaning of a passage, while scanning involves pinpointing specific information.

Reading Strategies:

• Focus on Keywords: Don’t get bogged down by every word. Identify keywords in the questions and highlight them in the passage. This helps you locate relevant sections quickly.
• Don’t Get Stuck: If you can’t find the answer to a question quickly, move on and come back later. Don’t waste valuable time on a single question.
• Synonyms and Paraphrasing: The answer might not be worded exactly like the question. Be prepared to identify synonyms and paraphrased versions of the information you seek.
• Logical Reasoning & Inference: Use your understanding of the context and surrounding information to draw logical conclusions and infer answers not explicitly stated.

Post-Reading Strategies:

• Review Your Answers: Don’t rush through this step. Briefly go back to the passage to double-check your answers, especially for those you guessed.
• Check for Grammar & Spelling Errors: Ensure your answers are grammatically correct and spelt properly, especially for completion-type questions.
• Advanced Vocabulary: While a vast vocabulary is helpful, prioritize building academic vocabulary relevant to the types of topics you’ll encounter in the test.
• Time Management: Practice completing reading passages within the 40-minute timeframe. This will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute panic.
• Don’t Panic!: If you encounter a difficult passage, stay calm. Take a deep breath and focus on applying your skimming and scanning skills.

Must Read: IELTS Reading: Test Format, Score, and Sample Topics with Answers

Here are some specific tips to target a Band 9 in the IELTS Writing test for 2024:

Task Analysis and Planning:

• Master Task Requirements: For both Task 1 (descriptive/report) and Task 2 (argumentative/discursive essays), thoroughly understand the specific prompt, including any key points or instructions mentioned.
• Plan and Organize: Don’t jump straight into writing. Spend a few minutes brainstorming relevant ideas, structuring your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, and outlining the main points you want to address.

Advanced Language Use:

• Vocabulary Range: Showcase your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary beyond basic words. Utilize synonyms, less common words, and collocations (words that naturally go together) to express yourself precisely.
• Grammar Accuracy: While minor grammatical errors might not completely disqualify you from a Band 9, strive for near-perfect grammar.
• Sentence Complexity: Vary your sentence structure by incorporating a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. This demonstrates your control over the language.

Content and Style:

• Cohesive Flow: Ensure your writing flows smoothly with clear transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
• Supporting Arguments: For Task 2, don’t just state opinions. Back them up with relevant examples, statistics, or factual evidence.
• Engaging Introduction and Conclusion: Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting introduction and provide a strong concluding statement that summarizes your main points.

Proofreading and Editing:

• Proofread Meticulously: Review your writing carefully for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies in sentence structure.
• Check for Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid redundancy and unnecessary jargon.

Must Read: IELTS Writing: Format, Important Topics, Tips to Prepare

Scoring a Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking test demands both fluency and a high level of English proficiency. Here are some targeted tips to maximize your speaking score in 2024:

Confidence and Fluency:

• Speak Clearly and Confidently: Project your voice, maintain eye contact with the examiner, and avoid fillers like “um” and “uh.”
• Natural Pace and Pronunciation: Speak at a natural pace that allows the examiner to understand you clearly. Focus on correct pronunciation, including word stress and intonation.
• Express Yourself Effectively: Don’t be afraid to elaborate on your points. Use descriptive language and provide examples or anecdotes to illustrate your ideas.

Grammar and Vocabulary:

• Grammatical Accuracy: Aim for near-perfect grammar. While occasional minor slips might be overlooked, consistent grammatical errors will affect your score.
• Advanced Vocabulary: Go beyond basic vocabulary. Utilize a wide range of words relevant to the topic to demonstrate your fluency and impress the examiner.
• Phrases and Idioms (Optional): While not essential, using well-placed idioms or phrasal verbs can showcase your advanced language skills. However, ensure you use them correctly and naturally within the context of the conversation.

Active Listening and Responding:

• Listen Attentively: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions and respond directly to their prompts. Don’t go off on tangents.
• Engage in Conversation: Don’t deliver prepared speeches. This can sound unnatural. Respond to the examiner’s questions and participate in a natural back-and-forth conversation.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: If you’re unsure about a question, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification politely.

Part-Specific Tips:

• Part 1 (Introduction): Speak confidently about yourself, your interests, and hobbies. This is your chance to make a good first impression.
• Part 2 (Cue Card): Use the one-minute preparation time effectively. Plan your response by brainstorming relevant ideas and structuring your points.
• Part 3 (Discussion): Expand on the ideas discussed in Part 2. Express your opinions, provide explanations, and discuss broader implications related to the topic.

Scoring a Band 9 in the IELTS Listening test is no easy feat, but with focused preparation and the right strategies, you can significantly improve your chances. Here are some key tips to target a Band 9 in the 2024 IELTS Listening test:

Sharpen Your Listening Skills:

• Active Listening: Go beyond simply hearing the words. Focus on understanding the speaker’s intent, key points, and supporting details. Anticipate upcoming information based on context clues.
• Selective Attention: Train your brain to filter out background noise and distractions. Concentrate solely on the speaker’s voice and the information being conveyed.
• Predictive Techniques: As you listen, try to predict upcoming words or phrases based on the context of the conversation. This helps you stay engaged and anticipate what information might be coming next.

Master the Question Types:

• Familiarity is Key: Familiarize yourself with the various question formats used in the Listening test, such as multiple choice, matching headings, completion, short answer, and identifying the speaker’s attitude/purpose. Knowing what type of information to listen for will enhance your focus.

Practice with Official Resources:

• Utilize Official Materials: Utilize practice tests and audio recordings from the official IELTS website and other reputable sources. These resources will provide the most realistic representation of the actual test format and difficulty level.
• Transcripts and Answer Keys: Don’t just listen. Use transcripts and answer keys to analyze your performance. Identify areas where you struggled and understand why specific answers were correct.

Must Raed: IELTS Listening: Test Format, Score, and Sample Topics with Answers

Also Read : How to Apply for IELTS 2024? IELTS Minimum Score for Top Universities in 2024 IELTS Exam Fees 2024 (Revised Fee) IELTS Exam: 8 Weeks Study Plan How to Write IELTS Essays to Score Band 9!

How rare is 9 in IELTS?

Very few people ever get to this level and, in fact, most learners do not need to get to this level. A big misconception is that Band 9 means ‘perfect’. There is no such thing as the ‘perfect ‘ IELTS test and many Band 9 students make small mistakes during their Writing and Speaking tests.

Does anyone get 10 in IELTS?

When you get your IELTS test results you will be given an overall test score of between 0 and 9 on the IELTS scale.

Does 12th marks matter in IELTS?

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

What is the hardest part of IELTS?

One of the most challenging parts of the IELTS exam is the writing section. This is because it requires not only strong language skills, but also the ability to organize your thoughts and present them in a clear and cohesive manner.

Is IELTS valid for 3 years now?

The IELTS validity period is 2 years from the date the results are released. In short, the date mentioned in the TRF for passing IELTS is considered valid by the universities and organisations. This score consists of individual scores of one’s Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing skills.

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