Mastering Paraphrasing for a Band 6.5+ in IELTS Writing

Paraphrasing is one of the most essential skills in the IELTS Writing test. Whether you're writing Task 1 (describing data) or Task 2 (an essay), a strong paraphrase in the introduction sets the tone for a Band 6.5 or higher. But it's not just about changing a few words—it’s about showing flexibility with grammar, structure, and vocabulary.

• In this post, you’ll learn:

• What examiners look for

• How to paraphrase effectively

• Strategies and examples

• Common mistakes to avoid

• Practice activity

  
  

What Do Examiners Look For?

In both Task 1 and Task 2, the first paragraph is often a paraphrase of the question. At Band 6.5+, examiners want to see:

- Clear and accurate rewording of the prompt- Variety in grammar and vocabulary- No major distortion of meaning

What Is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea in a different way. It involves:

1. Changing vocabulary2. Changing word forms (nouns to verbs, etc.)3. Changing sentence structure

Paraphrasing Techniques

1. Use SynonymsOriginal: The chart shows the percentage of people who own smartphones.Paraphrase: The graph illustrates the proportion of individuals who possess smartphones.

2. Change Word FormsOriginal: The number of unemployed people increased.Paraphrase: There was an increase in unemployment.

3. Use Passive Voice or Change the Sentence StructureOriginal: People believe that education is the key to success.Paraphrase: It is believed that education plays a crucial role in achieving success.

4. Break the Sentence into Two (or Combine)Original: The graph shows changes in car ownership in Europe between 2000 and 2020.Paraphrase: The graph presents data on how car ownership in Europe changed over a 20-year period from 2000 to 2020.

Sample Task 2 Paraphrasing Examples

Question:Some people believe that university education should be free. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Paraphrase: It is often argued that higher education ought to be accessible without charge. This essay will discuss the extent to which this idea is justified.

Question:In many countries, childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem. What are the causes and effects of this issue?Paraphrase: In a growing number of nations, excessive weight gain among children is emerging as a major health concern. This essay will explore the reasons behind this trend and its potential consequences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using incorrect synonyms“Famous” ≠ “Notorious” — same dictionary category, but different tone.

• Overcomplicating the sentenceDon’t aim for fancy vocabulary at the cost of clarity.

• Copy-pasting the questionYou lose marks in Task Achievement/Response if you repeat it word-for-word.

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Quick Practice Task

Try paraphrasing this sentence in 2 different ways:The bar chart shows the number of students enrolling in online courses between 2015 and 2020.Possible answers:1. The bar graph illustrates how many students registered for online classes from 2015 to 2020.2. The chart presents data on student enrollment in internet-based courses over a six-year period.

Final Tip: Use a Bank of Synonyms

Here are some useful replacements for common IELTS words:Original - ParaphraseShow - Illustrate / Present / DepictPeople - Individuals / Citizens / Members of the publicIncrease - Rise / Grow / Climb / SurgeProblem - Issue / Concern / ChallengeImportant - Crucial / Vital / Significant

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