Paraphrasing is one of the most critical skills in IELTS Writing. It directly impacts your Lexical Resource (LR) and indirectly improves Coherence and Cohesion (CC). However, many candidates misunderstand paraphrasing as simply replacing words with synonyms. In reality, effective paraphrasing involves flexibility in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
1. What Does “Paraphrasing” Really Mean?
Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea using different language without changing the original meaning.
Example:
- Original: Many people think that technology is harmful.
- Paraphrased: It is widely believed that technology has negative effects.
Notice:
- “Many people think” → “It is widely believed”
- “harmful” → “has negative effects”
2. Common Paraphrasing Techniques
2.1 Use Synonyms (Carefully)
Not all synonyms are interchangeable. Context matters.
| Common Word | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|
| important | crucial, significant, vital |
| big | large, considerable, substantial |
| good | beneficial, positive, advantageous |
| bad | negative, harmful, detrimental |
| many | numerous, a large number of |
Example:
- Many students face big problems.
- → Numerous students encounter significant challenges.
2.2 Change Word Forms (Word Family)
Transform nouns ↔ verbs ↔ adjectives.
Example:
- Pollution is a serious problem.
- → Pollution seriously affects the environment.
- The government made a decision.
- → The government decided.
2.3 Change Sentence Structure
This is what separates Band 6 from Band 7+.
Example:
- People believe that education is important.
- → Education is considered essential.
2.4 Use Passive Voice (When Appropriate)
Example:
- Experts say that climate change is dangerous.
- → Climate change is considered dangerous by experts.
2.5 Use Generalization or Specification
Example:
- Children use smartphones a lot.
- → Young people frequently use mobile devices.
3. Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction
You MUST paraphrase the question in your introduction.
Question:
Some people think that schools should teach practical skills.
Paraphrase:
It is argued that educational institutions should focus on teaching real-life skills.
4. High-Frequency Words You Should Always Paraphrase
These words appear very often and should almost never be repeated directly:
| Basic Word | Band 7+ Alternatives |
| people | individuals, citizens, the public |
| think | believe, argue, claim, suggest |
| problem | issue, challenge, concern |
| solution | measure, approach, method |
| improve | enhance, boost, develop |
| decrease | reduce, decline, diminish |
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
5.1. Using Wrong Synonyms
- Strong rain ❌
- Heavy rain ✅
Always learn words in collocations, not isolation.
5.2. Changing Meaning
- Children should study more
→ Children must study less ❌ (wrong meaning)
5.3. Overcomplicating Vocabulary
Using rare words incorrectly will lower your score.
Aim for:
- Accuracy > Complexity
