paraphrasing exercise for ielts

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Paraphrasing Practice

IELTS writing task 2 paraphrasing practice exercise. To get a good mark in IELTS writing task 2 for the criterion of vocabulary, you need to be able to paraphrase. The exercise below is a chance for you to practice your paraphrasing skills.

The answers for this exercise have now been posted below. No more writing should be posted for this lesson. But you can still learn from completing the exercise on your own and checking your writing with the answers provided.

Paraphrase the words in this paragraph using the words in the box below. Only paraphrase a word if you are sure it is appropriate to do so.

Many people, when driving their cars, go over the speed limit in city centers. As a way of solving this, the government should put more speed cameras on major streets to put people off  speeding. If this is done, more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be solved.

Paraphrasing Options

You do not need to use all the words. You must decide which words to use and which words not to use.

town         an answer            the law           install         motorway         stop        humans         put away         authorities               exceed               deter  from         directly          riding        ought to            key             by doing this            arrested       vehicles               resolved             citizens            large            caught red handed             speed prevention             increasing       urban

Answers and Advice

Please see the answers given below:

Many people, when driving their cars, exceed  the speed limit in urban centers . As a way of solving this, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on major streets to deter people from  speeding. By doing this , more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be resolved .

Common Mistakes and Explanations

• Collocation: drive a car, not ride a car. We use the verb “ride” with bicycles.
• A town is not a city.  You can write “city center” or “urban center”. A town is much smaller and this essay is not about small towns and villages.
• The government can usually be paraphrased with the word “authorities”.
• The word “should” can be paraphrased as “ought to”. This is a common paraphrase.
• If you are writing about setting up or putting up equipment, you can use the word “install”.
• “to deter” is used to put people off committing a crime or an offence. It is actually a better word to use than “put off” for formal essay writing.
• “By doing this” and “As a way of solving this” both have the same meaning in this context. You can’t write “As an answer for solving this” – it isn’t correct English even though the meaning is the same.
• “people” are people. We rare use the word “citizen” in an essay about transport. However, it would be acceptable to use it in the second sentence which refers to the government.
• “people” cannot be paraphrased as “humans” except in one context – please watch the video below to learn. Any student making this mistake is not studying effectively. The video below explains this very clearly so you should not be making this mistake.
• “caught red handed” must be written as it is shown. You can never write “caught red”. There are three words in this idiom. However, this expression is mainly for theft or other crimes in which a person is caught face to face by the police. It can’t be used for speed offences caught by camera.
• “vehicles” is used when we don’t know what type of transport is being written about or when we refer to different types. This essay is about cars only which means you can’t use the word “vehicle”.
• This paragraph is about “streets”. This is not the same as a “motorway”. A motorway is a very large road outside a city which contains two or three lines in both directions for heavy traffic.

Results and Advice

• If you had one mistakes, it is acceptable for band 7 or 8.
• If you have two or three mistakes, it is around band 6.
• More Mistakes = Lower Score
• You need to learn both the use and meaning of a word.
• Don’t aim for range until you can achieve accuracy.
• When you learn a noun or verb, learn the full collocation.
• When you learn a word, learn when you can and cannot use it.
• When you learn an idiom, learn if the words can be changed or not.

Best Writing Posted:

Well done to Esmaeil Bahmyari ! You wrote very well indeed but don’t avoid using the word “people”, it is the correct and most appropriate word to use for this essay. You have the potential to well with your level of English.

To all other students, I hope you learn to be careful when paraphrasing. Try to avoid making errors. You can see that a band score 9 student does not paraphrase continuously.

I hope you benefited from this lesson. I will put similar lessons up in the future if you found it useful.

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

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 IELTS Test Information (FAQ)

Get my free lessons by email

Subscribe for free to get my new IELTS lessons sent to your email inbox.

Email Address

Majority of people, while driving their cars in city centers, exceed their speed limit. To tackle this problem, the government need to mount lots of speed cameras on the main streets to scare, and capture people driving beyond the speed limits, which in turn puts an end to the problem.

I don’t usually comment because I don’t offer feedback, but I will say “good but be careful of your language”: 1. The majority of people 2. the government need S 3. to scare = to deter 4. to deter people from driving over the speed limit Take more time thinking about your language to avoid getting a lower score.

Many people when driving their vehicles exceed the speed limit in city centers. As a way of resolving this, the authorities should install more speed cameras on major streets to deter people from speeding. By doing this, more people who speeds will be caught and eventually this problem will be resolved.

The authorities ought to install more cameras in urban centers to prevent the exceeding the speed limit by a large number of drivers. By doing this the authorities will manage to resolve the problem and deter motorists from speeding.

Hello Liz, Greetings from Cameroon and thank you for the tips it’s really help me. I would like to know what’s appropriate concerning the writing section American or British english for example the word center (American) and centre (British) which form is correct ? Thanks a bunch.

You can find your answer on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/ . Look at question 5 of the test info section and review all other sections.

Lot of peaple go over the speed when they are driving in the urban cities. So govenment thoght putting more camaras in the street can be cought the person who drive more speed and they think problem will be resolved eventualy.

Establishing more speed monitoring systems such as speed cameras would be integral for the authorities, since more people are getting over the speed limits while driving. As more violators will be caught if more monitoring exhibits, less and less people will be willing to cross the limits.

Exceeding speed limits while driving is commonly seen in city centres. The government installing more speed cameras on the streets can be seen as a solution to this problem. This will ensure that more violators are punished and will prevent over speeding in urban areas.

Sometimes drivers exceed legal speed in towns. Because of the possible dangers, authorities should install more control cameras in the streets. Preventing predicted consequences could happen by arresting citizens who do not respect speed limits.

the people, when driving vehicles exceed the speed limit in urban centers, Authorities resolved this by installing speed cameras on streets to deter drivers from the law. By doing this, a large number of people have been arrested and this can be a good solution for this problem.

Most residents may ignore limitation of speed and surpass it. One way to defeat this problem is that governments should impose a limitation on speed. This goal having been achieved by checking speed with cameras at the road of cities.

Majority of drivers nowadays go beyond the implemented speed limits inside premises of cities, hence, it is expected that the ruling body should install speed cameras on major streets to demotivate such act and eventually solving the current issue.

Over speeding while driving is considered a problematic issue mostly in city centres. It is often suggested that in order to solve this issue, authorities should install more speed cameras on major streets to catch offender drivers and decrease over speeding in urban areas.

A large number of people exceed their speed limit while driving their cars. One possible solution to resolve this issue could be that the higher authorities should install more speed detection devices, especially on main roads to slow down people’s driving speed. By doing this, humans can be caught red-handed, and finally, the issue would be minimized.

I trust you are doing well. I wrote my test yesterday and I’d like to thank you immensely for the wealth of knowledge and information on this website and in particular, your Ideas for IELTS Essay book. I purchased it 5 days before my actual test and had to burn the midnight candle to go through all the topics. It was indeed an invaluable resource.

My task 2 topic : some people think that there is less communication between family members these days compared to the last few years. Do you agree/disagree. Give your opinion.

Task 1 topic: You just got an international job, write a letter to your former boss/ex-employer requesting for a reference letter.

A tip for everbody- on test day, I’d advise you tackle the task 2 essay first because it carries more marks and the time moves INCREDIBLY FAST!

Good luck with your results 🙂

Owing to the problem, those who drive cars over the limit at high speed in city centers, which is usually a rushy area. Despite a warning by the government, people considered it a casual way of driving, whereas putting more cameras is the most effective solution in consequences by which speedy drivers can be caught very easily.

Lot of people, cross the speed limit while driving their cars in urban centers. One of the way to solve this issue is that authorities should install more speed cameras on major streets to deter people from over speeding. With the help of this, more people exceeding the speed will be caught and this problem eventually will get resolved.

Personally I think “cross the speed limit” is not correct, it should be “exceed the speed limit”. Moreover, “to speed” means move quickly; so no need to use “over speeding”. The word “issue” is not appropriate in this paragraph, I suppose. Maybe “bad situation” is a better one, or just keep the word “problem”. 🙂

An attempt to solve speeding problems in downtown areas it is expected from the authorities to install an additional number of speed cameras on the most significant streets which, if done correctly will result in higher number of speed offenders to be captured and a gradual solution to this problem.

It would mean a lot if Miss Liz (or anyone) can point out any error if there’s any.

Two possible paraphrases I have managed to come up with:

1. Government should install many surveillance devices to discourage speeding automobiles since there are high number of people who cross the speed limit at the central town. Perhaps, this would enable law enforcement bring down those in speed violation and at the end put a full stop for this problem.

2. Towards solving the problem of speeding vehicle, the government should installing several surveillance devices, which acts as a harbinger of the consequences, because there are several people who have drove their automobiles over the speed limit in the central town. Implementing this, enables law enforcement to bring down those in violation, and at the end put an end to this problem.

Citizens,when driving their cars,go over the speed limit in city centers,In other way of solving this, the authorities should put more speed cameras on major streets for speed prevention and this issue will eventually be solved.

More often, many citizens while driving their car through the city, exceed the speed limits. To have a check over, speed cameras should be installed on the major streets of the cities. By doing so, the speed limits of the cars will be regulated, as the cameras would catch the rash drivers red handed.

I have just started surfing around, on your website and I am aiming for 7.5 band score of writing section in time period of 3 months (I got TOEFL IBT few year ago). This is really brilliant how you explained the answer for this example. Can I find more of this example somewhere? I am also wondering if there exists ”writing task correction” service available on your website which students can buy? .

I’m glad this was helpful 🙂 You can use the red menu bar to find what you need on this site. This site contains over 300 pages of free lessons, tips etc. Sorry, I don’t offer a marking service. I only offer Advanced Writing Task 2 lessons as extra: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Most people while driving in city centers exceeds the permitted limit for speed.This issue can be addressed by installing speed cameras on most popular streets to inhibit provocation .This will enable the authorities to capture evidence and penalize the violators of the law.

I need feedback .

Thank you Liz, your materials are helpful

this is mine. hope you correct me.

people often break the speed limit when driving their in the centre of a city. as an attempt to solve this. the ministry should install more trafic enforcement camera on the main street, to prevent people from speeding. if everything is set up. this will rise the number of people who get caught when they speed up. And this problem will be solved.

thank your for readding

Hello Liz, Kindly let me know, these four Linking word have same meaning “Due to, Owing to, By the virtue of, On account of. For instance, I must go to office today due to short of attendance.

Regards Khan

We don’t use “by virtue of” any more. Otherwise, they have the same meaning – but this doesn’t mean you can use them in the same way. Always review how the grammar structure changes.

Speeding while driving cars, which has become a problem in the city centres, can be curtailed by using speed cameras on motorways. By the installation of cameras, the people who exceed the speed limit will be caught. This will ultimately help authorities to resolve this problem.

While some “Commentators” believe…., other “analysts” defend the idea.

Is Using Commentators and Analysts in spite of People correct? Are they accurate synonyms of people?

It is not normal to use such language in IELTS essays. I would avoid it. The opinions are from people – not analysts. And the word “commentators” is an inappropriate word to use. There are many words you can paraphrase in your essay- the word “people” isn’t usually one of them. Please watch the video above again which explains about being more careful with paraphrasing.

Ought to exceeding the speed limit in urban cities by large number of drivers, the government can maintain this issue by installing cameras in main roads as a result, people who doing this can be arrested, which in turn this problem can be gradually solved.

Usally in city areas, people drive their car faster han in village areas. The government can solve this problem by installing more speed cameras on the major streets. Realizing that that the drivers are being constantly monitored, they will start driving slowly eventually.

Increasing number of people speed up their cars while driving in city centers. To overcome this problem, authorities ought to install speed cameras on major streets to keep drivers under the speeding limit. By doing this, overspeeding drivers will be caught and this problem will eventually be resolved.

Most of the people are exceeding their speed limits while driving their vehicles. As a result, the local authorities should take charge to shut down the rash drivers by keeping speed sensors and cameras in the major areas. If they accomplished the above idea ,then we can see the reduction in this problem .

These days, numerous shows related to the crime are broadcasted on the television. As a consequence lot of violence taking place giving birth to numerous criminal activities. Therefore, it is said that such a program should not be telecast. I strongly agree with this statement and will discuss in upcoming paragraphs.

First and foremost, nowadays, the most people more time to spend in mass media. It is responsible for framing through a human process. Therefore, it should be banned. Mostly young ones follow serials on television and its effects adversely on their mindset. For instance, in India, there is a program called Crime Patrol which talks about the different crimes and how those crimes are committed by criminals. Definitely, after watching this kind of telecast, the youngster may become delinquent, feeling that they would also appear on television if they do something of that sort.

Furthermore, some people instead of considering such serial as the part of an awareness program. programs grasp various ways and misuse them getting templated result in diverting them towards the path of crime. Although, it is a source whichever provided with a solution by watched shows. People adopt certain techniques and strategies come out of various problems an encounter ever in life. Yet, it is a total time wasting because of this type of show just a part of the entertainment. Overall, I strongly agree with this statement these programs should be stopped, it is less fruitful and more drawbacks. Moreover, it does not provide a particular knowledge of awareness.

I tried practice on writing tasks. But there is grammatical errors, plz guide me. How to improve it.

Your problem relates to your English language, not your exam skills. This means you need an English language website or a local teacher. Google online to find English language websites.

Many driver have tendency to do overspeeding in urban center while driving car. it is thought by some people that key way to overcome this is to install more speed cameras on major street by government. This will certainly result in catching more overspeeding drivers.

Urban drivers,overspeed their cars in city centers.To solve it, officials have to keep an eye on them through installing speed cameras on main streets to keep them under speed limit.This way whoever will speedup their cars will be arrested and problem will be resolved.

Majority of people, while driving cars, Saturate the speed limit in urban centre. To overcome this problem management should install possible number of speed cameras on streets.

mostly people living in the urban arease drive carelessly beying the exceeding limits. to overcome this problem, authorities should take control by putting some laws and rules like speed camers over the main areas of the town. if it is to be done than the law breakers can be eaily caught red handed and peope will automatically follow the rules.

liz can u check my parapharse sentence.. i am writing again and again but u r not replying me plz reply me

I do not offer a marking service.

We have to paraphrase in General IELTS essay as well. I am asking this because in one of the video you said that this is for academic. Kindly clear my doubt.

There is no difference between the GT and Academic writing task 2 techniques. You write the essays in exactly the same way. If you want to learn more about essay writing for IELTS, purchase my advanced lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz Your lessons are very helpful Please can “the amount of meat” be paraphrased as “the quantity of meat” ?

Yes, that’s fine 🙂

Hi liz, please can we use individuals as a synonym for people.

Synonyms must be used in the right context and in the right way. Individuals is certainly a synonym that can be used, but you must learn when and how to use it.

While driving in the busy parts of city, many people drive their cars at such speed which is usually well above the authorized speed limit. To encounter, authorities must install more speed cameras to monitor the drivers effectively. Consequently, more violators will be be caught that will eventually resolve the issue of over speeding.

Over-speeding is a major problem in cities as many drivers tend to drive above the allowed speed limits. A possible solution to this problem is the installation of surveillance cameras on the highways in order to apprehend offenders. This will deter people from over-speeding and will eventually solve the problem on the long run.

I read the list of uncountable nouns. Isn’t tea is the countable noun? I am confused. Regards Sonia.

No, it is uncountable. You can have “a cup of tea”. When people say “would you like a tea?”, it is informal and the full meaning is “would you like a cup of tea?”.

my l/r/w was on 2/12/2017. A true false not given question was: The railway company owns 18,000 wagons. In the passage it was just mentioned in “all 18,000 wagons are washed every 28 days”. as it was not mentioned that the company owns it or if they are on lease. I answered Not Given. your views please

For this question, you need to refer to the whole paragraph or at least the five or six sentences surrounding that statement. It is common in IELTS that your answer will not be found in one sentence only and references might be made in other sentences.

Morning Liz,what is the difference between highways and motorways. Also,kindly check if highways is acceptable for my paraphrasing: Authorities ought to install speed cameras on the major roads because majority of the people tend to over speed along the main highways. Placing these cameras would make offenders caught,and thus resolving the issue

There difference is US English and UK English. For writing, you need to choose one only. For speaking, it is fine to have a mixed accent as long as pronunciation is easy to understand.

Several people, drive above the stipulated speed limit when driving their vehicles.As a method of combating this,there should be more speed cameras installed on major streets to stop people over speeding.More people will be apprehended when this takes effect and thus leads to an end to over speeding.

Citizen mostly exceed speed limits while riding their personal vehicle in the motorways. This can be put to end, by installing surveillance / monitoring camera in major streets and some other strategic locations where over-speeding can be monitored and noticed by the authority.

Wao. Have realized my mistakes.

To combat the problem of overspeeding in city centres, government should install more surveillance cameras on big streets, which will help to catch offenders and alleviate the menace.

In order to restrict people from driving cars above the speed limit, the government should impose strict rules such as installing speed cameras on busy streets which will be an incentive to overcome the consequences of speedy cars.

Hey, Liz I have paraphrased the above question as- In order to avoid over-speeding, which is very common in city centers, the Government has decided to install more speed cameras to qualify people from over-speeding. The authorities believe that after the installation of speed cameras the problem will be abated and in my opinion, the Government will get the desired results and the problem will be resolved.

Thanks Liz, informative and good for learning and introspection!

Hi Liz. I enjoyed watching your lessons and the same time I learn a lot about the Ielts exam. Actually my exam is on 14 October 2017. Im a little bit nervous. Writing essay task1 and task2 is the hardest part. Any advise please. Thank you.

hi liz, My name is Vishwas from India, My question is, is there any prescribed structure for IELTS task 2 writing part which guarantee the high band. please reply. Thanking you in anticipation.

No. Most essays will have either two body paragraphs or three. But it depends on your main points and what you want to say. The examiner is marking you on logic – so organise logically.

Thanks Liz. Tomorrow is my LRW pray for me

Thanku liz for such paraphrasing practice.please upload more such videos. Thanks.

Thank you ma’am for this lesson.I have really learnt a lot today.

Its a wonderful exercise , would you be kind enough to provide more exercises like this or share any link , where I can do more practice.

Sure, I’ll try to put more lessons like this up. Thanks for letting me know it was useful 🙂

Yes please do it…so usefu. Thank you

Hello Liz, I watched your video “how to write introduction” and have a question. If we are asked ” discuss this view and give your own opinion”, background statement and thesis statement in our introduction is the same ?

Yes, it’s the same technique. Paraphrase the essay question for the background and write your opinion as the thesis.

Hai mam, during speaking test , if I can’ t hear or understand the question, requesting for repeating the question may affect my score..??

It won’t affect your score. It is fine to say “Could you repeat that, please”.

Hi Liz, can I use highways for major streets? Thanks

You will need to check in a dictionary. It is American and I’m British.

Hello, liz im adithya should we write both “BACK GROUND STMT” and “THESIS STMT” in the introduction or any one is enough ?

Watch this free video lesson about writing introductions: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-how-to-write-an-introduction/

Hello Liz, I am sadiya, Can you please check my errors in below writing task 2. so that I can rectify my mistakes. i will be thankfull

The relative importance of main aim of advertising the various product on television to attract teenagers has been targeted should be prohibited. which can not be fully agreed, has now become more controversial. The substantial influence of the different advertisements of various products included in different categories has sparked the controversy over the potential impact of this advertising trend in this recent years.it can be argued that it has some advantages on advertisements, but it has some drawbacks as well. This essay will elaborate both the positive and negative impact of advertisements resembling two sides of the single coin. Which usually runs in parallel and then will lead’s to the logical conclusion. At the outset, there are numerous ways to benefit the young children. The most conspicuous one is advertisements of various products which are used in daily life to improve the health as well standard of living according to status. Firstly, coming to improve or save the economic cost by spending on the product which is worth full in daily life. Like some branded products helpful in the kitchen with latest options as the technology has been fully developed. ex: which reduces the time spent in the kitchen for cooking, watching utensil, cleaning floors. Secondly, various health conscious product is known which help of advertisement, to cure the various minor diseases like cough syrup, pain reliefs painkillers, and healthy shakes so on.Thirdly, advertisements are beneficial to choose the good and cost effective product at less cost. The fourth one, the people are getting educated with these various adds in various ways, one of them is to maintain their personality lifestyle modification. Finally, people are knowing their rights to select the product and getting educated about the product before they are going to buy it,Products working status and its benefits has been compared with another. nevertheless, there remain some disadvantages, which can certainly, overwhelm the potential influence of advertisement on teenagers. But the most alarming one lies in the fact that the children are getting affected with advertisements via improper adds before their mindset has not well developed. There may chance of learning bad habits changing their social lifestyle.ex; smoking, chewing gutka, and other than this learning bad habits. Secondly, few adds are not proper for teenaged children like naked adds, getting addicted to television. from what has been discussed above it can be concluded that the impact of the advertising on children 70% is around beneficial and remaining 30% can be well handled by educating the children regarding good thing like having the proper diet, lifestyle modifications, learning how to improve the economic cost, learn the consumer rights.

Sorry, I don’t comment on writing. Make sure your introduction is only two sentences long. See the videos on this page to learn: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi Liz! Thank you for your videos. They’re very informative. I need your help though. Could you check if what I did was correct??

Q: Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures.

A: The eradication of diseases is the focus of many countries in terms of health. However, disease prevention through health education is the lesser concern. In my view, the government should equally support both of these programs in terms of finances to create a better and healthier community.

This is my introduction. it took me almost 10 mins to formulate this one. What do you think??

What is the maximum limit of words for both task and can i use persnl words..?

Your answers are on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Can you please post more lessons of this kind. thank you.

I am a student of Ielts. now i want to sit for exam but my hand writing is not up to mark i have problem on Grammer and spelling, what will i do?

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

Hi Liz, Thanks very much for all your ielts tip,they are very useful. I just checked my results now and i got the required bands listening-7.5,Reading-8.0,Writing-7.0,Speaking-8.5. Once again thank you very much. Beatrice

Overall band score 8 – excellent!! A very good score which you should be proud of. I hope you can now go forward with confidence and achieve your future goals. Thanks for letting me know 🙂 Liz

Hllo liz I have required a great practice material, for improve my band score. My target was to achieve minimum 7 band score overall. But, i scored only 5.5 band as on 27 june, 2015. S- 5 L-5.5 R- 6 W- 4.5 now i again fill my exam that will be on 8 oct. so now i want want to attain best score. I really thankful to you, if you give me some help to attain my goal.

All my lessons and tips are on this blog. To get band score 7, you will need to develop your level of English. Students getting around band 5 in speaking and writing are making too many mistakes to be awarded band 6. You now have just under 3 months to improve your English language. Go to google and look for English language websites. All the best Liz

Thanks a lot for the great tips and lessons. I just got my result and I was able to increase my writing score to 6.5. However, I need to score minimum 7 in writing, so I will give it another try as soon as possible.

Best regards.

Hi Teacher,

My name is Santhosh and I would like to improve my writing skills very much to attain a band score of 7+. First of all, I would like to thank you very much that, your online videos were very helpful for me.

I took IELTS GT exam for 3 times to get a band score of 7+ in each modules and below are the score that I got:

L8, S7, R6.5, W5 L7, S7, R6, W6.5 L7, S6.5, R6, W6.5.

As you can see my writing is not upto the mark. Kindly provide an effective method to reach my goal and also I would like to do some practice exercise for planning and paraphrasing also, the link provided for paraphrasing practice is not available.

Thanks, Santhosh.

All lessons are listed on this blog. I don’t have extra lessons. All the best Liz

Thank you teacher,

While going through all the lesson’s and writing topics that you had provided in the website, I think it is sufficient enough for practice.

Thanks for providing good materials for the exam.

Thanks Santhosh

Hi, Liz. First of all, I would like to thank you for all of the amazing resources you have created. I watched many of your video lessons and used them to prepare for my IELTS Academic test. I got my results this week and they were: Listening 6.5, Reading 8, Writing 6.5, and Speaking 9. I’ve got nothing to complain about the Listening part because I got distracted during the first track and didn’t hear the exact words and also because I also had trouble with another conversation about giving directions in a building. I’m not good at giving and getting directions. Not even in my native language, so I know I must work on that. However, I am puzzled at my writing score. I am pretty sure I made no grammar nor spelling mistakes. I felt I did well on Writing Task 2 but perhaps my graph analysis was rather simple. I’ve read about other examinees complaining about having a hard time to score higher than 6.5 in the writing section. Any thoughts on this? What would you suggest to improve this score? Thanks.

Thanks a lot, Liz. I just emailed you my writing samples.

Hello liz…. M planning to appear fr ielts in the coming 2 weeks, the only problem I feel with me is with speaking part…. I have no problem with speaking English or framing sentences but then I use the word umm… aa…. Quite often while thinking about the next sentence which I can say… Will that affect my bands??

Yes, that will affect your score for the criterion of fluency. However, it won’t affect your score for grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation. All the best Liz

I want to check my writing mam could you please provide any link for that to caliculate. Because I don’t have any idea about my standard in writing english.

Try this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/ All the best Liz

Thank you so much mam

Hello Liz, I have one question for you. Currently, just I am preparing my self to take IELTS exam in the first week of August. Always I wonder on time management. So, to manage my time in relation to my experience, what if I do the written exam in the following order. 1. Listening 2. Writing 3. Reading Thank you for your consideration, and I eagerly awaits your response. Kind regards,

Don’t change the order of doing the skills. In fact, I’m not sure that you can. The time management is during the skill. For example, sticking with only 20 minutes for each reading passage and spending no more than 20 mins on writing task 1. All the best Liz

Large no of people while driving their cars overshoot the speed limit in city centres. To avoid this , governent should place extra cameras on major streets . This will ensure that people who overshoot would be caught .

hi liz teacher ,thank you so much to teach us beneficial points i really confuse in paraphrases but i learn alot of things from your lessons

I’m glad the lessons are useful 🙂 Liz

mam,i am very weak in task 2. Becoz,when i strat essay to cofuse, what i write

You will need to develop ideas for topics, learn how to organise ideas and also improve your level of English. In your message above, you made two spelling mistakes and also grammar mistakes. This means, to get over band 5, you will need to be able to write more accurately. Here’s a link to my writing lessons: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . For English will need either a teacher or to find a website to help you. You can google that. All the best Liz

A number of people exceed the speed limit, while they are crossing in the urban areas. To solve this problem the authorities have to install speed cameras in main junctions To deter people from speeding. By doing this, many people who are driving crazily will be coughed and the problem will disappear.

This lesson is now closed. You will find the answer above in the lesson. Liz

Thank you Liz for your valuable instructions. I doubted in using “citizens” , but at last I used it. Regards

You did really well. 50% of your writing is based on your grammar and vocabulary. That means you will do well in those criteria. You should focus now on coherence & cohesion and task response. Good luck Liz

hello Liz my name is Anna :-Certain individuals used to exceed their vehicles speed limit in urban centers.Futhermore,authorities ought to overcome the issue by increasing the quantity of cameras on main streets to deter drivers from speeding.As a result ,people will stop to drive fast and the problem will be resolved completely.

A lot of car drivers exceed in speed when riding their vehicles in urban centers, going over the mandatory limits. One way to face this issue could be an increase in number of speed cameras installed by authorities in the main streets. By doing this, citizens will be deterred from driving too fast by the risk of being caught handed out and, consequently, the problem will probably be solved.

Increasing number of people exceed the speed limit while driving in city centers. The only key to the problem is to install speed cameras on major streets by the government deterring people from speeding. By doing this, speed can be prevented and those who break the law will be caught red handed.

Many citizens, when driving their vehicles, exceed the speed limit in urban areas. In order to resolving this, the authorities should install speed cameras in motorways to deter from speeding. By doing this, more individuals who speed will be arrested and this issue will be solved.

Can you tell me please, if it is correct. Thank you.

I will post the answer at 5pm UK time. Liz

It’s almost 7 pm UK time

The answers have been posted. Please look above in the lesson. Thanks Liz

Many people, when driving cars, exceed the speed limit in city centers. To stop this, the government authorities should put more speed cameras on major streets to put people off speeding. If this is done, more people who speed will be caught red handed and this problem will eventually resolved.

A large number of people,when riding their vehicles,exceeds the speed limit in city centres. As a way of speed prevention, authorities should install more cameras on major streets to deter from speeding.By doing this,more people who speed will be arrested and this problem will directlly be resolved

Some people exceed the speed limit while driving their vehicle in town centers. In order to resolve the problem, authorities ought to install large number of speedy cameras on motorways to prevent from increasing speed as by catching citizen red handed on cameras that in consequent deter directly the motor speed in urban areas.

Many citizens, when riding their vehicles, exceed the speed limit in city centers. As an answer for this, the authorities ought to install more speed prevention cameras on motorways, to deter people from speeding. By doing this more humans who put the law away will directly be arrested and this problem will eventually be resolved.

An increasing number of people riding their vehicles in urban areas, exceed the speed limit. As an answer to speed prevention, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on motorways to deter people from speeding. By doing this, more people who speed will be arrested and the problem will be resolved.

Large number of peopl, when driving their car, exceed speed limit in urban centers. In order to resolve this, authorities ought to install more speed cameras on motorway to deter them from speeding. Doing this, citizens who speed will be arrested and the problem will eventually be solved.

Please read my paragraph and advice. Thanks Meenakshi

Some people exceed the speed limit while driving in the town.To deter citizens from speeding, authorities ought to install more cameras on the motorways.By doing this, more people will be caught red handed which will eventually resolve this problem.

I will post my answer for all students at 5pm UK time. All the best Liz

A big number of drivers break the admitted legal speed when they are driving in urban areas. As a solution for this problem, the authorities should install surveillance cameras on main streets to deter drivers using exceed speed. By doing that, a large number of citizen would be caught red handed and this issue finally be resolved.

A large number of people, when driving their vehicles,exceed the speed limit in urban centers .As an answer of this ,the authorities ought to install more speed camers on motor ways to deter citizens from speeding.By doing this ,more citizens who speed will arrested and this problem will be resolved directly

Many citizens in urban areas exceed their speed limit when driving their vehicles.The authorities ought to install more speed cameras on motorway to deter from speeding.By doing this, humans who caught red will be directly handed to authorities to resolve this problem.

Many citizens in exceed their speed limit when driving their vehicles.The authorities ought to install more speed cameras on motorway to deter from speeding.By doing this,humans who caught red will be directly handed to authorities to resolve this problem.

In town, when people driving their cars, exceed the speed limit in city centers. Inorder to solve this,authorities should install more speed cameras on major roads to put people off speeding. By doing this, more people who speed will be caugth and the problem will eventually be solved.

Large number of citizens in urban areas exceed their speed limits when driving. As a way of prevention the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on motorways to reduce citizens from speeding.By doing this, citizens who speed will be put away and situation solved .

Owing,this problem many citizens while riding a vehicals in the urban aerea they exceeds the speed,There are number of solution to handle this situation.motor way officials should install some extra speed catching camera in street,by taking this step many people would go off the speed either,panalies or punished in the large number city.finally,this way could be overcome the problem/situation.

Hope for comments.

You must use the words given in the box. Don’t change the paragraph in any other way. Liz

In urban areas, many citizens exceed the speed limit when riding their cars. To deter from this problem, the authorities are ought to put more speed cameras on major motorways to put humans off speeding. By doing this, more people , who drive speedly will be caught red handed and finally this problem will be resolved.

Hi…. am from india. When i write the phase 2 in writing. .. it takes lot of time to complete the essay… And my vocabulary is ok i think. ..

The large number of citizens exceed their speed while driving their vehicles in the urban areas. To this problem be resolved,the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on main routes and motorways to make them reduce their speed.By doing this,more people, who drive speedly, will be caught red handed and finally this issue will be tackled.

Many citizens, when driving their vehicles, exceed the speed limit in urban areas. As a way of solving this, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on major streets to deter citizens from speeding. By doing this, more citizens who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be resolved.

Hello Teacher, In essay i write one introduction and thesis statement two body paraghraph and conclusion.is it ok?

The thesis statement is part of the introduction – it is not separate. Please watch my video about writing an introduction. The rest of the paragraph structure is fine. Liz

Yes,teacher it is. After introduction i could write only two paragraph and conclusion,in my test.

Thanks teacher forbreply. Regards.

That’s right. Although it is possible to have three body paragraphs. It depends on the number of main points you have. Liz

Many citizens, when driving their vehicles, exceed the speed limit in urban areas. As a way of speed prevention, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on main motorways to deter people from speeding. By doing this, more citizens who speed will be caught red handed and this problem will eventually be resolved.

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply

Notify me of new posts by email.

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Preparation Courses

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 IELTS Writing

May 30, 2020

What is paraphrasing in IELTS?

The use of paraphrasing in IELTS is what allows you to show that you have a sufficient range of vocabulary to cope with the task, whether it is in speaking or writing.

Paraphrasing in IELTS is the skill of being able to read or hear one or more sentences, and then write or say a sentence back that means the same thing only by using mostly different words and different grammatical constructions. The IELTS examiners love it!

This paraphrasing skill is used extensively in writing IELTS introductions in particular. One part of paraphrasing is using similar meaning words, these are known as synonyms, different words with the same meaning.

If you’re aiming for an IELTS band seven, then the IELTS band marking critieria state that you need to show a ‘ sufficient range of vocabulary ’. If you’re aiming for a band eight, then this changes to a ‘ wide range of vocabulary’ .

I am going to show you exactly how to paraphrase in IELTS writing and speaking so you can show a wide range of vocabulary to the examiner and increase your band score. 

You can either watch the video below or read the article, the information is the same:

You can get my full video course covering every part of the test here!

How Do You Paraphrase For IELTS?

(how to paraphrase the question in ielts writing), method 1: the simple synonym sauce.

The first and most obvious way we can show that we have a good range of vocabulary in the IELTS writing tasks is to use synonyms for the words that we are given in the question.

The words we substitute in are simply words that have a similar or the same meaning as the word they are replacing. We do this particularly when we are writing introductions to our IELTS essays in IELTS writing task 2.

You can practice using synonyms by using an online thesaurus. When you are doing practice essays, you can simply look up a word and see what other words have a similar or same meaning. Many of my students then like to keep their own written record of the synonyms they are using as IELTS topics often repeat themselves.

Let’s just have a quick look at synonyms for the word environment, which often occurs in essay questions, as provided by synonym.com and it gave me these words: ecology, habitat, geographical area settings, surrounding situation, circumstances and background.

The words ‘ ecology, habitats and geographical area ’ are more suitable to be used when we’re replacing the word environment, when it’s being used to talk in relation to animals .

Other words, such as ‘ setting, surrounding situations, circumstances and background ’ are talking about general conditions that are not related to animals and so would not fit into our essay well.

So, we have to be quite careful that we don’t use synonyms in the wrong context, nevertheless it is the easiest way to paraphrase successfully.

  Method 2: Paraphrase to Perfection!

Using synonyms all the time can look a bit unnatural, but if we change the order in which we use them, then it can make it look more natural. 

Here’s another example question: 

Some people believe that getting a degree from university is the best way to guarantee getting a job. Others believe it would be best to go straight into work and get experience. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. 

So, if you were writing the introduction to this essay, normally you would first paraphrase the question. So you could write:

Certain people think that graduating from higher education is the optimum way to assure getting a top job. 

‘some people’ = ‘certain people’ 

‘graduating from higher education’ = ‘getting a degree from a university’ 

‘best way to guarantee getting a job’ = ‘optimum way to assure getting a top job.’

  That is how you can use synonyms, the examiner will see that and it’s very obvious to them. However, we could also switch the order of the sentence around as well. So it reads like this. 

The optimum way to assure getting a top job is by graduating from higher education, according to certain people.  

This shows that we can be flexible with how we write and shows that we have a good command and control of grammar. In my full course, we will cover more aspects of grammar such as complex sentences, common mistakes, and tenses – take a look .

Method 3: Fun with formations!

This next way of paraphrasing is to change the word formations that are used, you might read the question and one word might stand out to you that you think you could use a different formation for of that word. 

In this question here, for example:

Many small shops are closing as they are unable to compete with large supermarkets in the area here.

The word competes might stand out to you and you immediately perhaps think of the word competition so we could simply try to use that form of the word along with the synonyms as well. 

So, next you might come up with the sentence. 

A large number of less well-known outlets are shutting due to competition from established superstores in the locality. 

Now we’ve got synonyms and we’ve got ‘competition’ in there as a change in word formation. 

We could also go one step further and change the order of the sentence as well. It could read:

Competition from established superstores in the locality is forcing a large number of less well-known outlets to shut down. 

As you can see, what we’re starting to do is mix together different ways to paraphrase , which is really a very powerful way to impress the examiner. You’ll find more like this in my full course here . 

Method 4: Antonym Soup!

One more thing we can do is to use antonyms. An antonym is basically a word that has the opposite meaning to another word.

So, synonyms mean similar or the same antonyms mean the opposite. So again, for the same question, we might have the same sentence. 

But we might choose to use antonyms. Instead of using a large number, we might simply say fewer. 

So ‘fewer, less well-known outlets can remain open. 

Obviously, ‘remain open’ is an antonym for shutting. So, by using antonyms, we can keep the meaning the same, but once more show off different vocabulary that we are able to use.

Method 5: The Native Speaker Way of Paraphrasing 

Now, the final way to paraphrase, and I would call this the native speaker way, because it’s what I would do and what other native speakers would probably do. This is what band 8 and 9 candidates should be aiming to do because it’s just a very natural technique. 

Firstly, imagine if you were paraphrasing in your own language, just think how easy it would be. You would just look at a sentence and just say it in different words.

You wouldn’t even be thinking about how you were going to break it down or what grammar you were going to use, or even what words you were going to say! 

You would just come out with a sentence that made perfect sense and have the same meaning. And that is the native speaker way to paraphrase. 

Now, have a go at paraphrasing this question below using the native speaker method:

So, there’s lots of natural language in there, some collocations, some synonyms from, but they’re not really deliberate. It’s just what naturally came out of my mouth as a native speaker. And when you get to this level, you might be able to do something similar. It’s what you can aim for. 

Check Out My Complete Guide To IELTS Course Here

Final Words of Advice for IELTS Paraphrasing

And finally, just a few words of advice. Now, remember, we are looking at synonyms and paraphrasing because we want to show the examiner that we have a sufficient range of vocabulary to answer the question.

It is important that we do this, but remember, your essay is marked on many different things and not just on the vocabulary. So, don’t get fixated on this.

Don’t spend too long thinking about the synonyms or paraphrases that you’re trying to use, you still need to write good, solid body paragraphs. You still need a good conclusion and you need time to be checking that as well. So, yes, pay attention to paraphrasing, but don’t focus on it so much that it disrupts the rest of your essay.

And the best way to develop your paraphrasing skills reading. Reading over the medium to long term. Exposing yourself to different word sets in different contexts gives you the experience to be able to know how words fit together and replace other words. 

So keep reading my friends! That’s the main thing you need to do.

Final, final IELTS Paraphrasing Tips!

Don’t go over the top, it is very difficult to find a synonym for some words and you won’t always be able to do so. Instead, you could try a group of words, so, rather than saying ‘adult’, you might say ‘grown up’.

However, if you can’t think of a paraphrase of synonym then don’t be afraid to use the words in the question. It is more important to be accurate with your word choice then to try lots of different synonyms. Always c hoose the words that you know to be 100% correct , in that way you will reduce your mistakes and increase your band score.

How can I improve my paraphrasing? With IELTS paraphrasing exercises of course! Here we go…

IELTS Paraphrasing Exercise 1

To practice this technique, ideally you will need a partner. All you need to do is to select a text related to any of the 14 main topic areas that often come up in IELTS.

This could be from a newspaper, journal or book. Next, print out the text and then with a black marker pen or using tip-ex remove random key words from a text. The article can be as short or as long as you like.

You might end up with something like this article from the BBC web-site:

For Your Partner To Complete:

A new study reveals how crocodiles’ eyes are fine-tuned for lurking at the water __________ to watch for prey.

The “fovea”, a patch of tightly packed receptors that _________ sharp vision, forms a horizontal streak instead of the usual circular spot.

This allows the animal to scan the ___________ without moving its head, according to Australian researchers.

They also found differences in the cone cells, which ____________ colours, between saltwater and freshwater crocs.

Swap articles with your partner and try and complete the missing words. Ask yourself what type of word is missing ; is it an adjective, noun, verb or adverb? Once you have identified this, have a guess at what word might fit.

Following this, view the completed text and see if you have selected the same word, or a word that is a synonym (a word with the same meaning).

The more synonyms and correct guesses you manage to get the better. Doing this increases your synonym power which will have a positive impact on virtually all parts of the IELTS test.

The missing words in this case are: surface (noun), delivers (verb), shoreline (noun), senses (verb).

IELTS Paraphrasing Exercise 2

Select an article you have read recently that you have found difficult. Ideally this will be on a typical IELTS related topic.

Now, write or type out 20 words that you found difficult on to pieces of small card. Place the cards face down in the middle of the table in a pile.

Turn over the first card and try to make a sentence using a synonym for that word, or if you can’t use a synonym by using a group of words (paraphrase) instead.

Immediately check your answers online with a synonym generator or with your teacher or a study partner.

If you get a particular word wrong then put the card to the bottom of the pile and come back to it again later . If you are correct place it in a new pile.

You can alternate ‘goes’ with a partner’ and score points in this manner.

Alternatively, with all of the cards face up, candidates could say a synonym or paraphrase for one of the words and a partner guesses which word it is, again with a competitive element.

Advanced students could then spread the cards face down in front of them and then summarise the entire text verbally being careful to use synonyms or paraphrases of the words only.

This could then be written up from memory as a summary task to consolidate the new vocabulary.

IELTS Paraphrasing in the Reading Test

Once you get good at synonyms and paraphrasing you may start to realise how IELTS reading papers are actually written.

Basically, an article is selected and the questions that test your understanding of the text are written.

However, examiners cannot just use the same words in the text, as that would make it too easy. So, instead they ask the questions using different words, synonyms or paraphrases.

Once you have spotted this pattern and practised a great deal as above, you will find the IELTS test gets a lot easier.

Use The 3 R’s For IELTS Synonym and Paraphrasing Success

As you are doing exercises such as those above, you need to:

Record – Make  note of all the new words you are learning. Include a definition, example sentences, synonyms and a personalised picture to help make it memorable.

Review – Set aside a specific time each day when you can remind your self of the new words. Ten minutes a day is better than 70 minutes once a week. Regular practice is key.

Re-test – Test yourself to see how well you are doing and identify areas of weakness. Why not have a competition with a study partner for added motivation.

You could use a software service such as Quizlet to help you do this.

Doing this will give you the maximum chance of remembering all your synonyms and paraphrases and ultimately improve your IELTS band score!

 OK, that’s enough about IELTS synonyms and paraphrasing. I hope we got a lot out of this article. And please remember where you’re going. You’re on this journey of working out how to do the IELTS test so that you can transform your life into a better future, use that as motivation to keep going! Drop any questions below

You might also like to read about complex sentences here .

Recommended IELTS Study Tools

Thank you for reading this article. I always get lots of questions about how else to get a better band score quickly. So, this is what I recommend:

Complete IELTS Course : Of course, my full course ‘ INCREASE YOUR IELTS ‘ covers everything you need to need to know to pass IELTS, including practice questions, model answers, grammar work, strategies for every possible reading, writing and listening question type, as well as a complete speaking course too, check it out here .

IELTS Essay and Speaking Feedback : To complete full mock tests and get feedback from IELTS examiners on your IELTS essays or speaking tasks then visit: IELTS Feedback and Mock Tests, here.

Improve your grammar fast by using the Grammarly suggestions to improve your writing. Every IELTS students should have this free grammar improving tool.

Improve all-round English skill with EnglishClass101.com . If you have failed IELTS more than once then you probably need to improve your general level of English. Use the free online lessons and vocabulary building tools here and start improving today! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Hi there, I’m Tim James a former IELTS examiner and IELTS teacher of over a decade. This site is where I share my exam strategies to help people get the score they need. I hope it helps you!

In A Hurry To Pass IELTS? Then Check Out…

Copyright & copy; 2017 · IELTSfreeway.com · All Rights Reserved

Powered by OptimizePress 2.0

• Companies & Schools

IELTS Reading: Paraphrasing Practice

Virtually every IELTS Reading question involves some form of paraphrased language; if the questions used the exact same language as the passage and involved a simple word hunt, there would essentially be no test at all!

To answer Reading questions quickly and confidently, you must be able to match the rephrased language that appears in the questions to its original counterpart in the passages. The following exercises are designed to help you practice this skill.

(Answers are at the bottom of the page.) 

Match the numbered phrases with their rewritten versions below. Each answer is used only once.  

Aviation is a (1) stubbornly difficult strand of transport to decarbonise. Aircraft burn huge amounts of fossil fuel, for business travel, leisure activities and tourism that used to be (2) prohibitively expensive but in recent decades have become accessible to large populations as fossil fuels became cheaper (3) in real terms .

Demand management aside – and that too is on the table, of course, alongside that Swedish phrase flygskam, or ‘flight shame’ – very few (4) industry observers truly think that batteries will make the sort of gains in energy density to ever be capable of displacing liquid fuels for (5) aviation applications . Hence, the question arises whether sustainable replacements for fossil liquid fuels can be developed and then made in (6) sufficient quantities .

(Source: https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/towards-sustainable-aviation-fuel )

A. In the absolute sense

B. Use in the field of aviation

C. Persistently challenging

D. Too costly to be possible

E. Large-enough amounts

F. People who follow the aviation business

What did the Romans ever do for us? It seems they added an inch to the average height of their British subjects — they came, they saw, we prospered. And after taking a plunge during the Anglo-Saxon era, the height of the average inhabitant rose again in the wake of the Norman Conquest. These are just two of the findings of new research using data from skeletal remains to calculate how the average height of men rose or fell over 2,000 years of history in what is now England. The result is (1) a startling picture of changes in health and wellbeing.

Using data of skeletal remains of men aged between 21 and 49 years from a range of archaeological excavations across England, they deduced (2) individuals’ full heights from their femur length. Lead author Dr Gregori Galofré-Vila, from the Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford, said: ‘We believe our results shed new light on the development of health in England over the very long run.’

He and his team worked on the basis that height, linked with childhood nutrition, is (3) a good measure of  wellbeing and can be estimated accurately from the length of a full grown man’s femur. Biologists and epidemiologists have long recognised that although (4) the main causes of variation in individual height may be genetic, changes in the economic, social and environmental circumstances are reflected in the mean heights of different groups of people at any given time.

The working paper reveals that men in this area of Britain became taller when it was under Roman occupation (200–410AD), with average height rising from 167cm (5ft 6in) to 170cm (5ft 7in). The researchers suggest this rise in average height (5) coincided with the Romans’ improved water supply and sanitation systems and a more varied diet. Heights did not decline immediately after the Romans left Britain in 410, but fell from 600AD. The paper (6) highlights previous research suggesting that health (7) may have deteriorated when populations moved out of the towns and cities set up by the Romans, abandoning the more hygienic water supplies and waste-disposal systems. Plague and pestilence then became common and infectious diseases were on the increase, with archaeological evidence also suggesting that (8) diets were inadequate , notes the paper.

(Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20190514234756/http://www.oxfordtoday.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-04-28-tall-and-short-it-how-average-english-height-has-changed-over-2000-years )

A. Food did not provide sufficient nutrients

B. Might have become worse

C. Occurred at the same time as

D. A surprising image

E. The primary reasons for differences

F. Calls attention to earlier studies

G. How tall people grew to be

H. A reliable assessment 

Scroll down for the answers

Answers: Passage 1

Answers: Passage 2

International Newsletter

IELTS Grammar Rules 

10 Reasons You Might Be Stuck in Writing Band 6.5

The Role of Fatigue in IELTS Writing Scores

11 Skills You Need for Band 7+ in Writing

Guide: General Training for Canadian Express Entry

7 Tips for the IELTS Speaking Test 

IELTS Main Site

Candidate Guide

IDP Australia

IELTS Simon

IELTS Advantage

Discover Magazine

The Economist

GeoSpace Blog

National Geographic

The Guardian

The New York Times

Science Daily

Scientific American

English Speaking Success 

IELTS Daily 

Tools for Clear Speech

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.

Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

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

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.

  Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

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.

Get your personalised  IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

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.

Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback  from a former examiner

• Academic Task 1 Tips & Strategies

Related Posts

How to Describe a Map for IELTS Academic Task 1: A Step-by-Step Guide - IELTS Luminary

The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

• IELTS tests IELTS Academic IELTS General Training IELTS UKVI IELTS One Skill Retake LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS Academic? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find sessions WAYS TO TAKE IELTS ACADEMIC IELTS on paper IELTS on computer IELTS Online LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS General Training? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find sessions WAYS TO TAKE IELTS GENERAL TRAINING IELTS on paper IELTS on computer LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS UKVI? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find sessions WAYS TO TAKE IELTS UKVI IELTS on paper IELTS on computer LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS One Skill Retake? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test READ MORE ABOUT IELTS ONE SKILL RETAKE Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake? FIND THE RIGHT TEST IELTS for study IELTS for work IELTS for migration

English Diagnostic tool

Diagnose your level of English and get access to a personalised preparation plan now.

Get your results

Check your provisional IELTS results online and do more.

How to paraphrase and boost your IELTS Writing Score

If you want to score well for your IELTS Writing test, then you need to learn and master the art of paraphrasing! You’ll be able to show that you understand the idea enough to write in your own words. Here’s how to start paraphrasing like a boss!

Content Tags

Whether you are sitting for the General Training or Academic writing test, the IELTS Writing part of the test is a challenge that many students struggle to score well in. 

With two different types of tasks with unique demands for each of them, you’ll need to put your best foot forward to ace the test to achieve an overall band score you desire. 

The IELTS Writing test assesses your ability to write not just for clarity and cohesion but for variation as well. 

Therefore you need to develop the skill of paraphrasing, which is simply rewriting a sentence using different words for greater clarity. It shows to the examiner that you have understood the source and idea enough to write it in your own words. 

And in this article, we will be going through six tips and tactics you can employ to help you master the art of paraphrasing to score better in your written test! 

Learning to paraphrase effectively: Six things to do

1. start using synonyms.

Synonyms are different words that hold the same meaning. For example, ‘money’ is a synonym of ‘cash’ or ‘funds’ while ‘lethargic’ is a synonym of ‘tired’ or ‘drained’. 

By using synonyms, you can effectively replace a series of words with others without changing the core meaning of the sentence. You need to use words that have the same meaning and not just something similar, which can be penalised during the examination. 

 Take the sentence: 

‘We are heading to Disneyland for a well-deserved holiday’ 

You can easily replace it with: 

‘We are travelling to Disney for our hard-earned vacation’ 

The key here is to ensure the meaning isn’t changed and you should only use words that you are entirely sure about to score well without the risk of being marked down. 

2. Changing the word order

Another essential paraphrasing skill you’ll need is to change the word order of a sentence. This means adding in a word, omitting a word or changing the word itself. 

Take the sentence: 

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

You can change the word order: 

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

When changing the word order, you need to ensure the sentence makes grammatical sense as well as being error-free. You can also combine this with using synonyms to make your paraphrasing even more effective. 

3. Changing word forms

A great way to paraphrase sentences is to change the form of the word. To do this, we can interchangeably swap nouns into verbs or verbs into adjectives. 

For example: 

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

You can paraphrase the sentence by changing the word form of ‘entering’, ‘terrified’, ‘spooky’ and ‘alone’. 

“Many children are not brave enough to enter the frightful-looking house by themselves during Halloween.” 

By changing word forms, you are showcasing your versatility in the English language as well as your depth of vocabulary, helping you to score better in your Writing test. 

4. Change from active to passive voice

Because the IELTS Writing test involves writing a discursive essay and discussing various viewpoints, understanding how to switch between active to passive voice is a valuable skill. 

This can be easily done by identifying the sentence’s direct object and placing it at the beginning of the sentence, removing the action and then changing the verb’s form.  

“Most of the students are reading the magazines.” 

You can rewrite this sentence into the passive voice by placing ‘magazine’ at the beginning of the sentence and removing the action of reading and changing its form. 

“The magazines are being read by most of the students.” 

5. Changing sentence structure

Another effective way to paraphrase is to change the structure of the sentence without losing its core meaning. 

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

You can see that there are two clauses ‘many students struggle in their tests’ and the second being ‘because they do not put in the hard work and practice enough.’ 

All you need to do is to swap the order and change a few word forms to make it flow more naturally. 

“Not working hard and practicing enough are the main reasons why students struggle in their tests.” 

The meaning of the sentence is not lost but the structure has changed. 

6. Start paraphrasing with sample tests

The best way to start paraphrasing is to practice on the sample tests themselves! 

This will allow you to not just practice your skills on static sentences but allows you to master the art of paraphrasing.  

By writing under a time limit with real sample test topics, you’ll quickly understand how to paraphrase your own words as well as the information provided. This will accelerate your progress by leaps and bounds. 

You can access a wide range of our sample IELTS Writing tests here to start paraphrasing today! 

Prepare for the IELTS Writing test with IDP today

Preparing early for your IELTS Writing test is critical to success, especially if you are honing your paraphrasing skills. 

There are many forms of paraphrasing and they should all be used in conjunction for your writing to flow well and be fluid. 

Early preparation allows you to get familiar with the format with ample practice to help you gain confidence on test day and attain the band score you desire! 

Take the time to go through our resources and prepare yourself better with our wide range of sample tests at your disposal! 

And once you are prepared and ready, you can book your IELTS test here ! 

Share this article

You may also like.

Your pocket guide to IELTS Academic Writing: Know it before you ace it

Grammar 101: Its vs. It's

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1: How to write a letter

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

The difference between antonyms and synonyms

How to increase your IELTS grammar score from band 4 to band 5

Get familiar with taking the IELTS on computer test

IELTS on computer: Advantages, sample questions and answers

Should I take IELTS on computer or paper?

• Useful links
• Who accepts IELTS?
• News and articles
• IELTS Masterclass
• Your IELTS results
• IELTS General Training
• IELTS Academic
• IELTS Online
• IELTS by IDP app
• Find sessions
• Check IELTS results
• Middle East
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Legal notices
• Privacy policy
• Cookie policy
• Copyright 2024 IDP IELTS

IELTS Skills

Paraphrasing, what is paraphrasing, why is paraphrasing important.

• By changing the words
• By changing the order

The best way to paraphrase

• Videos on paraphrasing 

Paraphrasing : “To paraphrase is to include the ideas or information from an original source in your paper by rephrasing those ideas or information in your own words” 1

In other words: Paraphrasing is incorporating the concepts or data from an authentic source in your writing by saying this in another way, while not modifying the original significance.

As you can see above we had an original message, or here a quote from an online source and we changed this quote into our own words. This is paraphrasing, changing the message/words while still keeping the same  meaning.

It’s one of the crucial skills to master for your IELTS. You will need it for

Academic writing task 1

• General Writing task 1
• Writing task 2.
• IELTS speaking
• IELTS reading
• IELTS listening

Have a look at the following parts of the exams and how it’s used.

In your Academic writing task 1 you either get a graph, a process or a map which you need to write about. In your introduction your first sentence should always be a restatement of the task. In other words you need to paraphrase the question . If you just copy exactly what the task says your score will go down.

Additionally, your task will include some key words/ key vocabulary which you will need to use throughout your report. Making sure you do not repeat the key words over and over again will ensure your lexical resources score will go up.

The graphs below show how people in a European city reached their office and got back home in 1959 and 2009. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

This means you have to change:

The graphs below show how people in a European city reached their office and got back home in 1959 and 2009.

By paraphrasing the text, using your own words, but still keeping the original meaning.  

Some of the key words you will have to paraphrase will be:

• European city

General writing task 1

In writing task 1 you have to write a letter based on the task you have been given. This letter always has a purpose (the reason why you are writing the letter) mentioned in the question. This purpose will have to be paraphrased in the letter.

You are a college student in an English speaking country. You share a rented apartment with others but want to move to the college accommodation instead.

Write a letter to the teacher in charge of the hostel and explain your intention to move to the college accommodation. In your letter:

– Introduce yourself

– Give reasons why you not happy with current accommodation

– Explain why you think the college accommodation will be better for you

Write at least 150 words.

This is the purpose of your letter and will have to be included and paraphrased:

You want to move to the college accommodation instead … explain your intention to move to the college accommodation.

You will also need to paraphrase some key vocabulary

• Accommodation

Writing task 2

This is an essay writing where they give you a precise question and you will need to write an essay about it. Here again paraphrasing is used in multiple ways:

• Like in Academic writing 1 you will need to start the introduction of your essay by rephrasing the question . Again this is a crucial skill as people should know what your writing is about, which should always be introduced at the beginning.
• Your task will include some key words/ key vocabulary which you will need to use throughout your essay. Making sure you don’t repeat the key vocabulary will be important to improve your lexical resources score.

One of the consequences of improved medical care is that the people are living longer and life expectancy is increasing. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

What will need to be paraphrased:

Some of the key words you will use throughout your essay:

• Consequences
• Medical care
• People living longer
• Life expectancy
• Disadvantages

IELTS Speaking

In IELTS speaking you will be asked some questions and you will need to answer them. Here paraphrasing is useful in different ways:

• To buy time for thinking , you can always rephrase the question before answering.
• Like in the writing you can try to use synonyms for the key words from the question , to make sure you do not repeat yourself and again increase your lexical resources.
• When you do not know or remember a word you want to use in your speaking you can try describing the word. This is essential as you do want to keep your fluency up and don’t want to have an awkward silence while you try to think of the word you’re looking for.  This will improve your fluency and coherence score.

“When we were walking on the side of the road where you know the people walk…”  

Here the person didn’t remember the word pavement/sidewalk when speaking. Instead of stopping the conversation the person tried to describe it and just continued talking. This is a far better strategy than just stopping a few second to look for the word.

IELTS Reading

When answering the questions in your IELTS reading, paraphrasing will be necessary, as they will never use the same words from the text into your questions . The questions will always use synonyms or paraphrase parts of the text to say the same thing . If you do not know how to look for similar words or expression in the text you will never find the answer. As a result your reading score will go down as you either waste too much time finding the answer, and/or do not find the answer at all.

IELTS Listening

As with in reading it can happen that you will need to rely on synonyms or similar expressions to find the correct answer . This is particularly true in summary and note completion questions . Where you have some sentences and need to fill in the words from the listening. The words in your completion exercise will have synonyms or different wording, while the word you need to fill in will be the exact one of the listening.

How can we paraphrase

There are essentially 2 ways of paraphrasing. Either you change the word or you change the order of the words. Let’s have a look at how you can change the word first before we look at the order.

Changing the word

The easiest way to change the word is by replacing it with a synonym .

Car: vehicle, automobile, means of transport, jeep, pickup, truck, convertible, race car

The only thing you need to be careful of with synonyms is that you cannot always replace 1 word by another.

Let’s have a look at car again

• There are many cars in our neighborhood.
• There are many vehicles in our neighborhood
• There are many automobiles in our neighborhood
• There are many means of transport in our neighborhood
• There are many jeeps in our neighborhood
• There are many pickups in our neighborhood
• There are many trucks in our neighborhood
• There are many convertibles in our neighborhood
• There are many race cars in our neighborhood

Though car has many synonyms, if you just replace them with any of the synonyms randomly the meaning changes. The only synonym where the meaning stays the same is automobiles. With all the other synonyms the meaning of the sentence changes.

So for example:

The production of cars went up in 2009. The production of pickups went up.

General English writing task 1

My car was damaged in the accident. My race car was damaged in the accident. Unless you really are talking about a race car.

The overproduction of cars is a serious issue. The overproduction of means of transport is an issue .

There are many cars on the roads in my country. There are many jeeps on the roads of my country

If your not good at finding synonyms use a thesaurus . This is the best tool for students to expand their vocabulary. Just type in the word and look at the different synonyms provided. J ust remember to make sure that the meaning stays the same.

Another issue with synonyms are collocations. Certain words go together while others don’t .

Excessive smoking is bad for your health

Heavy smoking is bad for your health

Here the collocations are  heavy or excessive  smoking . In English you cannot say strong smoking or big smoking . For collocations there are no rules. The words go together because that’s how people us the words and always have.

If your not good at collocations then use a collocation dictionary . Again an extremely useful tool to expand and correct your vocabulary use. Just fill in the word and look at the possible collocations.

The final issue with synonyms is that the grammar might change.

Although I mostly agree with the main statement, I personally think there might be some important objections.

Despite mostly agreeing with the main statement, I personally think there might be some important objections

As you can see in the example above changing the linking word changes the grammar.

So, when in doubt , and you are not sure of the correct synonym, collocation or grammar, do not change the word . This means you won’t make mistakes, keeping your score up.

2.Changing the word form

You can also just keep the word but change the word form.

For example

Doing exercise : exercising   noun changes into a verb

Fail: failure   verb into a noun

Riding my bike: cycling  expression into a verb

Unnecessary: not necessary changing the prefix un into not

Underplayed: not paid well again changing the prefix

The same problems as with synonyms apply:

• meaning might change
• grammar definitely changes for example if you change a noun into verb.

Again, if you are not sure about what you are doing don’t do it.

3.Changing the grammar

Active to passive.

One of the other possibilities is changing an active sentence into a passive sentence.

The UK sold 2000 cars in February

2000 cars were sold in the UK

Changing the order

You can also just keep the words but change the order of the words in the sentence, or you could combine 2 separate sentences into 1 more complex sentence.

Changing the order of the causes

When you have multiple clauses in your sentence you can swap the clauses and put the second clause first and the first clause last.

Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.

Why do so many people want to study in English?

Why is English such an important international language?

You should write at least 250 words.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In order to study at school, college or university, millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America

Combining 2 sentence in 1

Another common way to paraphrase is to combine to existing sentences and combine them into 1 sentence with multiple clauses

Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles.

Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time.

While some people think it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, others feel it is more important to rest the mind.

Here just the first and the second are combined to form one more complex sentence. This is for example a good way to show that you can make complex sentences. Just remember to also use some synonyms and not just combine the 2 sentences.

Now, I’m sure you are asking, which is the best way to paraphrase? The best way is to use a combination of the different techniques. You could combine, synonyms with word from and changing the order, or any other technique or combination.  

The most important things to remember are:

• You do not need to change all words. The examiner is not going to check or count how many synonyms you have used, or how you changed the order of the words. All that matters is that it sounds natural and most importantly that it is correct.
• Make the changes you feel most comfortable with. Like mentioned above, correctness is important, so if you are not sure about the correct synonym, word form, spelling, grammar structure, then don’t change it. Only use the techniques you are comfortable with.

Now you know all the techniques the next thing you need to do is practice them.

How to avoid mistakes when paraphrasing 

Have a look at the video on how to avoid making mistakes when paraphrasing. 

How to write an introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

Have a look at the video on how to write an introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 and how to use paraphrasing. 

Get your writing and speaking corrected

Join the ever growing group of students who we helped on the road to success and get the professional help you have been looking for.

If you have any questions about paraphrasing, do let us know in the comments.

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Can't find what you need?

Ask our teachers.

• Why choose us
• How We Achieve
• Our Materials
• Terms of service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Writing Correction
• Speaking Correction
• One-to-One Courses
• Group Courses
• Pronunciation
• General Overview
• General Task 1
• General Task 2
• Academic Overview
• Academic Task 1
• Academic Task 2

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. The information on this site is for information purposes only.

ieltsassistance.co.uk © 2018 All rights reserved.

Can’t find what you need? Ask our teachers:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Course

Introductions 1: paraphrasing the question.

There are many ways to write an introduction paragraph but a simple and tested technique is the following:

Paraphrase the question (use synonyms/ different parts of speech/ different word order etc.)

Give your opinion

Outline your 2/ 3 main ideas (which will be in body paragraphs 1 & 2)

Let’s begin by looking at how to paraphrase the IELTS question in your introduction.

Paraphrase the IELTS Question

A. use the passive:.

One of the best ways to begin is to change the active “some people believe” to the passive, “it is believed by some people” or vice-versa.

b. Use a similar, but different verb:

Verbs such as “argue”, “believe”, or “think” are interchangeable in this context. So, if the question says, “Some people believe ”, you can write “It is argued by some people”, or just, “ It is often argued ”.

c. Use synonyms

In the rest of the sentence, look for synonyms which can replace words in the question. For example, “fixed” becomes “determined” , “develop” becomes “forms” , “personality” becomes “character” , and “because” becomes “due to” .

d. Change parts of speech or word order

You can also change parts of speech, word order or grammatical structure. For example, we develop our personality… becomes the development of our personality…

For more information on writing IELTS Writing Task 2 introductions go here .

Look at the underlined words/ phrases in the following IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Think of at least one synonym/ parallel phrase for each. (Remember that the synonym needs to fit the context of the question).

i. Due to the fast pace of modern life an increasing number of people regularly eat fast food for their main meals. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

ii. Many people argue that restaurants should be required to disclose the nutritional information of the dishes they serve. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

iii. Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?

Paraphrase the whole IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Try to use synonyms, change word order, use the passive and use different parts of speech.

Some people prefer to eat at restaurants, whereas others prefer to eat home-made food.

Which do you prefer?

Paraphrase: While some people have a preference for eating out, others would rather prepare food and eat at home.

iv. Fast food restaurants are helpful because they save people time and effort in today’s busy world. Do you agree or disagree?

v. Many people believe that home-cooked meals are better for one’s health. Those who disagree argue that it is healthier to eat restaurant meals. What’s your opinion?

Writing Task 2 Exercise Answer Key:

due to: As a result of/ Owing to/ As a consequence of

fast pace: hectic/ extremely busy/ many responsibilities/ heavy demands

modern life: life nowadays/ modern world/ the way people live these days

increasing number: growing number/ rising number/ increasing quantity

regularly: often/ frequently

eat: consume/ rely on/ buy

Many people argue: It is often claimed/ It is argued by many people/ People frequently say/ A large number of people believe

should be required: it should be necessary/ a requirement should be imposed

disclose: publish/ show/ reveal

nutritional information: information on nutrition/ nutritional data/ nutritional content

dishes they serve: menu items/ food they offer/ dishes on the menu

Nowadays : These days/ In the modern world/ Currently

waste a lot of food: a lot of food is wasted/ throw away a large amount of food

bought: purchased

shops and restaurants: food retailers/ places selling food

IELTS paraphrasing practice

Exercises on paraphrasing the task question..

Updated: Oct 20th 2021

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

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

Key points about paraphrasing

In the introduction of your essay the first thing you should do is paraphrase the topic question by using synonyms or changing the word-formation. I f you just copy the original question you will lose points .

A good technique is to change the form of the words by using: a verb, gerund, adjective or noun . Look at the examples below.

People increasingly access the news online these days rather than buying newspapers and magazines to find out what is going on in the world. There is an increase in people accessing the news online these days rather than buying newspapers and magazines to find out what is going on in the world.

I have changed two words above from Adverb+ verb in sentence 1, to noun phrase + gerund and re-ordered the sentence slightly. Using this technique you need to be confident with your grammar if you decide to change the word-formation.

You have to be careful when using synonyms though, click here to see a lesson about learning new words and the dangers of synonyms.

Let’s Practice Paraphrasing

This task is a problem-solution essay. Choose words from the list and try paraphrasing it. You do not need to paraphrase the instruction words. Check my answer when you have finished.

Practice it first before checking my answer.

My answer. (two variations)

a) People residing in large urban areas have to deal with a lot of issues in their day to day lives.

B) there are a number of issues that people living in cities have to cope with in their everyday lives..

I did not use the word ‘citizens ‘as it doesn’t fit well, the word ‘people’ is hard to paraphrase so I kept it.

Some words cannot be used here such as ‘ suburbs’  or  ‘towns’  there is a difference in meaning to ‘cities’. Also the word ‘huge’ doesn’t feel right here so I didn’t use it.

Remember that not every word has to be paraphrased , there is no black and white answer to paraphrasing, it depends on your vocabulary and how you can use synonyms correctly. Make sure the meaning stays the same or you will lose marks.

Let’s try another one

Try it yourself before checking my answer.

a) The Internet, which is a huge source of knowledge, has created opportunities for people worldwide to study.

B) the worldwide web is a massive source of information and has given people all over the world the ability to study..

Some words do not go well here such as ‘ folks’ which is too informal and ‘humankind’ which does not sound right in this situation.

The words ‘data’ and ‘know-how’ just do not match well here and could change the meaning slightly.

Again, I have kept the word ‘people’ as this is hard to paraphrase.

Any questions? , comment below.

Do you need help with your writing? Take a look at the Writing Correction Service here.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS
• Common Grammar Mistakes [for IELTS Writing Candidates]

Writing Correction Service

• Free IELTS Resources
• Practice Speaking Test

Select Page

Paraphrasing for IELTS Writing Task 1

Posted by David S. Wills | May 20, 2017 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

Paraphrasing is an essential skill for IELTS, and it is particularly important for IELTS Writing Task 1. In this exam, you are required to paraphrase the question in order to write your first sentence. If you cannot do this, it becomes very difficult to pass the exam. If you copy the question, you will be deducted marks and it may cost you a high band score. Fortunately, learning to paraphrase is not difficult. In this PPT, I will show you how to paraphrase an IELTS Writing Task 1 question.

Paraphrasing Skills for IELTS

You can learn about how to structure an IELTS writing task 1 essay here .

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

Related Posts

Describe an Artist or Entertainer

September 11, 2020

IELTS Speaking Topic: Computers

October 5, 2020

4 Easy Ways to Improve Your IELTS Writing

June 4, 2017

Describe your Favourite Possession

January 17, 2022

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Download my IELTS Books

Recent Posts

• How to Improve your IELTS Writing Score
• Past Simple vs Past Perfect
• Complex Sentences
• How to Score Band 9 [Video Lesson]
• Taxing Fast Food: Model IELTS Essay

Recent Comments

• Francisca on Adverb Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide
• Mariam on IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Questions
• abdelhadi skini on Subordinating Conjunction vs Conjunctive Adverb
• David S. Wills on How to Describe Tables for IELTS Writing Task 1
• anonymous on How to Describe Tables for IELTS Writing Task 1
• Lesson Plans
• Model Essays
• TED Video Lessons
• Weekly Roundup

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

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

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

More useful IELTS Academic Task 1 lessons:

• Academic Task 1 Sample Essays
• How to describe a pie chart
• Bar Chart IELTS
• How to describe a map
• 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
• Sign up to claim your free IELTS materials
• Jump to Band 7 or it’s Free
• IELTS Writing Evaluation
• IELTS Band Score Calculator
• Book Your Online IELTS Test
• Sample Topic Answers
• 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
• Google Play / Podcasts
• Apple Podcast
• Android App
• Task 2 Sample Questions
• AT 1 Questions

Company addresses: HK Office: BW ENGLISH SERVICES HK Ltd, Unit 2512, 25/F, Langham Place Office Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong UK Office: BW ENGLISH SERVICES, 120 High Road, East Finchley, N29ED, London, England, United Kingdom ​+44 20 3951 8271 ($1/min).

Welcome Guest!

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Speaking Part 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Practice Tests
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests
• IELTS Reading Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests
• IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
• All Courses
• IELTS Online Classes
• OET Online Classes
• PTE Online Classes
• CELPIP Online Classes
• Free Live Classes
• Australia PR
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Austria Job Seeker Visa
• Sweden Job Seeker Visa
• Study Abroad
• Student Testimonials
• Our Trainers
• IELTS Webinar
• Immigration Webinar

Tree Cutters at Work & Plumbing Skills – IELTS Reading Answers

11 min read

Updated On May 07, 2024

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Table of Contents [ Show ]

Reading Passage 1

Reading passage 2, answers for tree cutters at work & plumbing skills – ielts general reading passages with explanation.

• Tips to Solve the Question Types in the Tree Cutters at Work & Plumbing Skills Reading Answers

With consistent practise, IELTS applicants can score highest on the  Reading module of IELTS General  as it is comparatively easier than IELTS Reading Academic. All you need is to be able to approach and respond to the different question types, such as those in Reading Answers of Tree Cutters at Work and Plumbing Skills, in order to perform well.

The IELTS General Passages, ‘Tree Cutters at Work’ and ‘Plumbing Skills’ are part of Cambridge IELTS 17 General Training Reading Test 4 and ideally, you should not spend more than 20 minutes on both these passages.

There are 13 questions in total in ‘Tree Cutters at Work’ and ‘Plumbing Skills’ passages .  You must understand the subject, look up key terms in the IELTS reading passages, and then respond in line with the instructions. Also, start practicing timed  IELTS General practice exams  on a regular basis if your goal is to become proficient in these passages and obtain a high reading band score.

The question types found in these passages are:

• Notes /Flow Chart Completion  (Q. 1-7)
• Table Completion  (Q. 8-13)

Master solving ‘Tree Cutters at Work’ and ‘Plumbing Skills’ in 20 minutes with us!

Tree Cutters at Work 

Today the tree cutting team consists of myself, Gary and Mikael. We are going to cut down a tall tree that is inside the boundary of a busy timer yard. It’s Saturday, not a working day for the yard and it is far easier to remove a tree when no one else is around. As supervisor, I first pop into our office to sort out the paperwork for the day which includes the risk assessments. Then I look at the most up to date weather forecast as wind and rain make our job much more difficult. Luckily we have picked a good day.

Next we load up the equipment — things like petrol driven chainsaws of varying sizes, helmets and waterproofs, spades, rakes and other tools etc. must all go on the truck before the three of us set off. On arrival at the site, we have a quick discussion on the procedure for the day.

After that one of — today it’s Gary — goes up the tree to quickly select his anchor point. This is the position from which he will cut down the tree. It must be high enough to enable access throughout the tree’s branches but also have sufficient strength to support the climber. The first few big branches can be cut from the tree in large pieces and dropped into the yard so we make good progress during the morning and start our wood pile there.

Having removed the more accessible branches, we have lunch and then set up a simple system to reach the smaller upper branches. This involves placing a pulley in the tree and using thick rope to drag the branches down. When they are cut these will fall further away outside the boundary of the yard. On the other side of the perimeter fence is a wide grass verge and then a footpath where I set up a number of signs to alert the public to our activities.

Working alongside a road requires vigilance, so I monitor the movements of pedestrians and as Gary starts work, I watch what he is doing so it can ensure safety. Once the branches are on the ground, I throw them back over the fence to Mikael, who cuts them up and feeds the machine that dices them into very small pieces called wood chippings.

Questions 1-7

Complete the flowchart below. 

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage.

Cutting down a big tree

• The site supervisor checks the paperwork and the latest information on the weather first.
• Chainsaws, clothing and all  1 …………… are then loaded onto the lorry
• The team talk briefly at the site about the overall  2 ……………. before the work begins
• The climber’s anchor point must have the necessary height and  3  …………… for the job
• The first branches are cut and placed in a pile in the yard
• A pulley and some  4 …………….. assist in the removal of the top branches
• At this point signs are placed on the  5 ……………..
• For safety the actions of both the tree cutter and  6 …………….. must be regularly checked
• A special machine creates  7 ……………… out of some of the wood.

Check Out –  General Reading Tips And Tricks

Plumbing Skills

In a residential building such as a block of flats, underfloor jobs that involve plumbing mechanical and electrical systems are common. They may need to take place in a narrow space that is often only about 35 cm deep. In addition the floors are typically covered with a wood product, engineered to resemble solid wood that has very strict criteria as far as drilling and cutting are concerned. The plumber cannot just go in and cut holes and lay pipes. He must first think about what he is doing, read and understand the cutting chart that accompanies each of his tools and visualise how his work will impact on other tradespeople before proceeding.

Commercial plumbers working on office buildings, hotels, restaurants etc. have the same issues and coordination problems as residential plumbers but often have to install equipment that is more sophisticated. This is because it forms part of integrated systems where mechanical work and plumbing work are combined. The equipment will have specific installation instructions so it is critical that the plumber has the cognitive ability to understand these. In addition, often the structures are complex, and the floors and walls must be X-rayed prior to drilling in order to avoid hitting key elements such as reinforcing steel.

Service plumbers go in where others have been and often face situations where they must troubleshoot various possible causes of a plumbing problem. In order to do this effectively they must have complete knowledge of say a customer’s shower until they are servicing even if they did not install it. They must have the ability to translate the symptoms they can see such as leaks and blockages into the actual problem and then take the appropriate action to rectify the issue in a fast and cost effective way.

Often service plumbers encounter residential or commercial customers who are either facing great inconvenience or have had their operations severely disrupted because of a plumbing issue. Successful service plumbers not only need good mechanical skills but they typically need very good people skills to provide necessary support.

Questions 8-13

Complete the table below. 

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

Searching for Exclusive IELTS General Reading content for practice?

Check out  The Ultimate Guide to IELTS General Reading !

1 Answer:  tools

Question type:  Notes/Flow Chart Completion

Answer location:  Paragraph 2, Line 1

Answer explanation:  The first line of the second paragraph tells us,  “ Next we load up the equipment — things like petrol driven chainsaws of varying sizes, helmets and waterproofs, spades, rakes and other tools etc… ” . So, it can be concluded that after checking the paperwork and weather conditions, the tools are loaded into the truck (lorry). Hence, the answer is ‘tools’.

2 Answer:  procedure

Answer location:  Paragraph 2, Line 2

Answer explanation:  In the specified line, it is stated that  “ On arrival at the site, we have a quick discussion on the procedure for the day.” .  This shows that before beginning the work at the location, the workers have a discussion on the procedure that will follow. Hence, the answer is ‘procedure’.

3 Answer:  strength

Answer location:  Paragraph 3, Line 3

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned paragraph, it is given that  “It must be high enough to enable access throughout the tree’s branches but also have sufficient strength to support the climber.”.  It can be concluded that the anchor point should be high enough (have the necessary height) and strength to support the climber. Hence, the answer is ‘strength’.

4 Answer:  rope

Answer location:  Paragraph 4, Line 2

Answer explanation:  The fourth paragraph mentions that  “ This involves placing a pulley in the tree and using thick rope to drag the branches down. ”.  It points out that the simple process of reaching the top branches involves a pulley and a rope. Hence, the answer is ‘rope’.

5 Answer:  footpath

Answer location:  Paragraph 4, Line 4

Answer explanation:  In the above-mentioned paragraph, it is stated that  “… then a footpath where I set up a number of signs to alert the public to our activities. ”.  It can be pointed out from the quoted statement that signs are put on the footpath while the upper branches are being cut. Hence, the answer is ‘footpath’.

6 Answer:  pedestrians

Answer location:  Paragraph 5, Line 1

Answer explanation:  Through a reference line like,  “ Working alongside a road requires vigilance, so I monitor the movements of pedestrians and as Gary starts work I watch what he is doing so it can ensure safety. ”,  it can be concluded that while the top branches are being cut, the safety of the tree cutter and the pedestrians are continuously checked. Hence, the answer is ‘pedestrians’.

7 Answer:  chippings

Answer location:  Paragraph 5, Line 2

Answer explanation:  In the cited location, it is stated,  “… feeds the machine that dices them into very small pieces called wood chippings. ”.  Based on this reference, it can be inferred that the tree cutters use a special machine to cut chippings from the wood. Hence, the answer is ‘chippings’.

8 Answer:  narrow

Question type:  Table Completion

Answer location:  Paragraph 1, Line 2

Answer explanation:  In the provided paragraph, it is said that  “ They may need to take place in a narrow space that is often only about 35 cm deep. ”.  This implies that in residential plumbing, one of the issues is that the plumbers have to work in narrow spaces. Hence, the answer is ‘narrow’.

9 Answer:  cutting chart

Answer location:  Paragraph 1, Line 5

Answer explanation:  In the specified location, it is stated that  “ He must first think about what he is doing, read and understand the cutting chart that accompanies each of his tools. ”.  From these lines, it can be deduced that one of the safety measures taken by the plumbers in residential cleaning is to read and understand the cutting chart of the tools. Hence, the answer is ‘cutting chart’.

10 Answer:  tradespeople

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned location, it is given that  “ …visualise how his work will impact on other tradespeople before proceeding. ”.  In other words, before starting their work in a residential location, the plumbers have to consider how their work affects other tradespeople. Hence, the answer is ‘tradespeople’.

11 Answer:  (reinforcing) steel

Answer location:  Paragraph 2, Line 4

Answer explanation:  In Paragraph 2, it is stated that  “ …and the floors and walls must be X-rayed prior to drilling in order to avoid hitting key elements such as reinforcing steel. ”.  This statement indicates that before starting to work in a commercial setting, plumbers need to take images (must be X-rayed) so that they don’t hit important parts like reinforcing steel. Hence, the answer is ‘(reinforcing) steel’.

12 Answer:  cost-effective

Answer explanation:  The mentioned paragraph specifies that  “ They must have the ability to translate the symptoms…and then take the appropriate action to rectify the issue in a fast and cost effective way. ”.  It is indicated that one of the responsibilities of the plumbers in service plumbing is to provide quick cost-effective solutions after understanding the issues at hand. Hence, the answer is ‘cost-effective’.

13 Answer:  inconvenience

Answer location:  Paragraph 4, Line 1

Answer explanation:  In the stated paragraph, it is given,  “ Often service plumbers encounter residential or commercial customers who are either facing great inconvenience or have had their operations severely disrupted because of a plumbing issue . ”.  This reference proves that the service plumbers have to deal with people who have faced inconvenience or their work got disrupted due to the plumbing issue. Hence, the answer is ‘inconvenience’.

Tips to Solve the Question Types in the Tree Cutters at Work & Plumbing Skills Reading Answers 

Since now you know the answers to Tree Cutters at Work & Plumbing Skills Reading Answers, let us check out some quick tips to answer the question types in the Reading Answers of Tree Cutters at Work & Plumbing Skills Reading Answers.

Note/Flow Chart Completion:

To solve the note/flow chart completion questions of the  IELTS Reading , you will be asked to fill in the blanks in a small passage given in the form of a note with the relevant words or numbers. So, let us revise the strategies.

• Read the instructions carefully. It will help you determine the word limit (no more than two, one word, etc) and important terms like ‘using words from the text’ or ‘from the text’. You have to follow these strictly.
• Read the incomplete sentences first. Also, think about keywords and how they could be represented by synonyms or paraphrasing.
• Locate where the information is by scanning quickly. If you can’t, move on.
• Study the reading text by using the skimming and scanning techniques. It will help to establish the answer quickly. When scanning for your answer, make sure you are thinking about paraphrasing and synonyms.
• The answers appear in the same order as the questions. Also, check your spelling and remember that your answer should be grammatically correct.

Table Completion:

The way to solve the table completion questions of the IELTS Reading is similar to  Summary Completion . You will be asked to fill in missing information in a table based on the information provided in the passage. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach table completion effectively:

• Read the instructions carefully: Before you start reading the passage or table, make sure you understand what the question is asking for. Pay attention to the instructions provided for word limit.
• Skim the table and headings: Quickly glance over the table and its headings to get an idea of the structure and what information it contains. This will help you understand the context before you start reading in detail.
• Identify keywords: Look for keywords or key phrases in the question that will help you locate the relevant information in the passage or table. Circle or underline these keywords to stay focused while reading.
• Scan the passage: Scan the passage for the specific information mentioned in the question. You don’t need to read every word in detail; instead, look for keywords or related terms that match those in the question.
• Use context clues: Sometimes, the information needed to fill in the table may not be explicitly stated but can be inferred from the surrounding text. Use context clues to make educated guesses if necessary.
• Be cautious with synonyms: The information in the passage may be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms. Stay alert for variations of keywords or terms that convey the same meaning.

Also Check: 

• 20 Best IELTS Preparation Books for Self Study
• The Harbour View Hotel & Hardley Heath Car Boot Sale – IELTS Reading Answers
• Clear Lighting & Rights in the Workplace – IELTS Reading Answers
• Professional Credentials & How to Prepare for a Presentation – IELTS Reading Answers
• The Beaver Valley Hotel & Using your New Electronix Printer – Reading Answers
• Causton Health Centre & Bentley Hospital Catering Service – Reading Answers
• Smoke Alarms in the Home & Sydney Opera House Tours – IELTS Reading Answers
• Working for a Small Company & Starting a New Job – IELTS Reading Answers
• How to Prepare IELTS at Home?

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

Kasturika Samanta

Kasturika is a professional Content Writer with over three years of experience as an English language teacher. Her understanding of English language requirements, as set by foreign universities, is enriched by her interactions with students and educators. Her work is a fusion of extensive knowledge of SEO practices and up-to-date guidelines. This enables her to produce content that not only informs but also engages IELTS aspirants. Her passion for exploring new horizons has driven her to achieve new heights in her learning journey.

Explore other Reading Practice Tests

Post your Comments

Recent articles.

Raajdeep Saha

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!