Learning to paraphrase in IELTS speaking or writing is an essential skill for test takers to master, as it is an important part of the exam. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing a given text or passage in your own words without changing its meaning. This is important because it shows that you understand the meaning of the text and can express it in your language.
Are you struggling with how to paraphrase in IELTS task 1 or 2? Here are 8 paraphrasing tips that can help you improve your skills and do well in the IELTS exam:
1. To Paraphrase In IELTS, Use synonyms
One of the easiest ways to paraphrase in IELTS speaking or writing is to use synonyms, or words with similar meanings, to replace certain words in the text.
For example, you can replace the word “happy” with “content” or “satisfied.”
This can help you avoid repeating the same word multiple times and make your writing more varied and interesting. For more tips on using synonyms to paraphrase, check out this video.
2. Change the word order
Another way to paraphrase in IELTS essay or speaking is to change the word order of the original text. For example, you can rearrange the words in a sentence to change its structure and make it easier to understand.
3. Use different grammatical structures
You can also change the grammatical structure of a sentence to create a new version. An example is changing a simple sentence into a compound or complex sentence, or vice versa. This can help you express the same idea more concisely or expand, depending on your needs.
Here is the best explanation for using complex sentences in IELTS or CELPIP.
4. Use your voice
Using your voice and style when paraphrasing in IELTS reading and writing is essential, showing that you are not simply copying the original text. Use your own words and ideas, and avoid using too many quotes or direct phrases from the original text.
5. Understand the context
Understanding the context and purpose of the original text is important before you start paraphrasing. This will help you understand the main points and ideas of the text and how to rephrase them in your own words.
6. Use transitional phrases
Transitional phrases, such as “on the other hand” or “however,” can help you connect different ideas and make your writing flow smoothly. Use them appropriately when paraphrasing to show that you understand the relationship between different ideas in the text.
7. Check for accuracy
After paraphrasing, it’s important to double-check your work to make sure that you have accurately conveyed the meaning of the original text. Compare your paraphrase with the original text to see if you have missed any crucial points or details.
8. Practice, practice, practice
Finally, the best way to improve your paraphrasing skills in IELTS speaking or writing is to practice as much as possible. Find different texts or passages to paraphrase, and try to rephrase them in your own words. This will help you become more comfortable with the process and improve your skills.
Let’s see an example of how these tips can be applied in practice.
Examples of How To Paraphrase In IELTS Speaking or Writing
Original text: “Many people believe that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, cause climate change. However, others argue that it is a natural occurrence that has been happening for millions of years.”
Paraphrase: “There is a disagreement about the causes of climate change, with some people saying it is a result of human actions like burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, while others believe it is a normal process that has been occurring for a long time.”
In this example, we can see how the paraphrase uses synonyms, such as “disagreement” instead of “believe,” and changes the word order to create a new sentence structure. The paraphrase also uses transitional phrases, such as “while,” to connect the different ideas and make the writing flow smoothly. Finally, the paraphrase avoids using direct quotes or phrases from the original text and uses the writer’s voice to express the ideas.
Conclusion
To sum up, paraphrasing is an essential skill for IELTS test takers to master, as it shows that you understand the meaning of a text and can express it in your own words. By using synonyms, changing the word order and grammatical structure, using your voice, understanding the context, using transitional phrases, checking for accuracy, and practicing as much as you can, you can improve your paraphrasing skills and do well in the IELTS exam.