Achieving a high score on the IELTS test is the dream of every candidate. Paraphrasing is a big game in IELTS that allows you to restructure sentences.
The paraphrasing becomes more efficient when you have a strong grip on synonyms and an understanding of their meanings.
It also improves your listening and reading because the more you know, the better you can respond.
Most people think that it is not that easy and you might be one of them and that’s the reason you are here.
Right?
Here in this post, we will guide you on how you can paraphrase successfully in IELTS writing!
Let’s get started!
Easy to learn methods of paraphrasing to become successful in IELTS writing
1. The simple game of synonyms
The first and the simple method of paraphrasing is to use synonyms in the questions that are given.
This practice can be used in the writing introduction part in an IELTS essay because the words we simply use always have similar words that you can replace.
While practising, you can identify whether the words you are using to replace actual words fit perfectly and look natural.
The good thing is that after practising for 1-2 weeks, you will have some synonyms on your fingertips that you can use anywhere you want throughout your IELTS writing.
For example, let’s take “impressive” as our main word. There are several synonyms of impressive that we can use:
- Majestic
- Splendid
- Breathtaking
- Spectacular
See, there are 4 synonyms of impressive words that you can use to increase the diversity of your content.
Each of them can be used depending on the writing tone you are using!
The only thing you should care about is that you don’t use synonyms that have inappropriate context.
2. Paraphrase in a format without leaving footprints in the IELTS essay
If you use synonyms all the time, then every examiner can identify that. However, it will also look unnatural.
So, what do you do?
The best thing here is to use synonyms by switching the orders until or unless it looks natural.
For example, when you are writing an IELTS essay, you discuss both sides and give your argument on it with evidence, proved-statements.
Let’s understand this method with an example:
Most people think that getting a degree from university ensures them a great job.
“Whereas, a majority of the people thought that getting straight into the work and getting experience is beneficial than getting a degree.”
So, to paraphrase the first sentence of this paragraph, we will do it like this:
“A group of individuals thought that the purpose of getting a higher education is to promise yourself a high-paying job.”
But!
“The fact they did not understand is that it will take their hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of energy, brainstorming, and efficiency.”
“This is the main reason that a bunch of people agree with getting straight into work.”
Your Argument on it
“However, we think a person should not drop out of their college or university. In fact, they should start a side hustle during their college years because once they complete their degree; they will already become an expert in that niche.”
In this example, we used the following synonyms:
- Most people think = A group of individuals thought
- Getting a degree from university = purpose of getting higher education
- Ensures them a great job = promise yourself higher paying job
You can see, in this example, clearly how efficiently we maintained the original meaning of the sentence and paraphrased it entirely.
However, when we change the order of our paraphrased content, then it will look like this:
“Promising yourself a high-paying job is only possible if you get higher education, according to a group of individuals.”
See, it’s that easy!
You can learn the flexibility of paraphrasing and changing words while maintaining order only by practising.
The good thing is that you can use an online paraphrasing tool to practice this method as much as you want for a strong grip on paraphrasing.
3. Play with the formation of words
Another simple method of paraphrasing is to change the formation of words you are using or thinking to change in the question.
But, the first thing you should know is that getting a complete understanding of a question is essential to rephrase.
For example:
“The Covid-19 has forced several small businesses to shut down, whereas big brands are still standing in the established position.”
The word forced in this sentence might be the word you think can be formatted by keeping other methods in mind.
So, the next step you will take is:
“Big brands managed to maintain the established position, whereas covid-19 has imposed several small businesses to shut down.”
Now, you have the word formatting, and you also use the paraphrasing technique.
So, your sentence should sound like this:
“Imposed crisis from covid-19 has shut down several businesses, whereas, big brands have managed to maintain their established position.”
4. You can use the help of antonyms
The last method of paraphrasing successfully in IELTS writing is a bit challenging to understand.
But, we will try our best to clear your concepts.
You can use antonyms instead of always using synonyms that have the same meaning.
Antonyms have opposite meanings of the word.
Let’s take the previous example here for a better understanding of the concept!
“A few small businesses have survived the imposed crisis of Covid-19.”
In this example, you can see that “few small businesses have survived” has almost the same meaning that we mentioned in the previous example.
However, this method will enable you to use different vocabulary, which means you have the opportunity to use antonyms when you are out of synonyms.
A few words of advice for you
We hope that the methods we have told you will now help you in paraphrasing.
But, it is important to know that there are so many other things your examiner will mark in your essay, besides the excellent vocabulary.
It would be great if you also focused on writing a high-quality paragraph that has a readable format.
Secondly, do not forget to give a reasonable conclusion with proper reasoning.
So, pay attention to paraphrasing but not too much that you forget to care about other things in your essay.
