Introduction to Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is an essential skill in the IELTS Writing Task 2. It involves rewording or rewriting a sentence or phrase while maintaining the original meaning. Effective paraphrasing shows the examiner your range of vocabulary and ability to express ideas in different ways. This chapter will help you understand why paraphrasing is important and how you can master this skill.

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is the art of expressing the same message in new words. It is a fundamental technique for:

• Avoiding plagiarism
• Demonstrating a wide lexical resource
• Making your writing more appealing and understandable

The Role of Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, paraphrasing is crucial for:

• Introduction: Reformulating the essay Question to introduce your topic.
• Body paragraphs: Explaining the main ideas without repeating the same words.
• Conclusion: Summarizing the main points without being redundant.

Understanding how to paraphrase effectively can significantly enhance your essay's coherence and cohesion, which are key assessment criteria.

Why Paraphrase in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• To avoid repetition: This enhances the readability of your essay and keeps the reader engaged.
• To show lexical resource: Using synonyms and alternative constructions demonstrates your vocabulary range.
• To achieve clarity: Sometimes the original sentence may be complex or ambiguous; paraphrasing can clarify the idea.

Techniques for Effective Paraphrasing

To paraphrase skillfully, it is necessary to utilize various techniques. Here are the key methods to transform the original text into a fresh expression.

Using Synonyms

Synonyms are different words with the same or similar meanings. Using synonyms is the most straightforward way to paraphrase:

• Original: Many children find it difficult to concentrate in school.
• Paraphrased: Numerous youngsters struggle to maintain focus in the educational environment.

Changing the Sentence Structure

Altering the grammatical structure of the sentence can significantly change its appearance:

• Original: Global warming is caused by human activities.
• Paraphrased: Activities carried out by humans are the cause of the increase in the Earth's temperature.

Turning Active Sentences to Passive and Vice Versa

Switching from an active to a passive voice (or vice versa) gives you an entirely different sentence construction:

• Original: The government introduced new laws.
• Paraphrased: New laws were introduced by the government.

Using Different Parts of Speech

Changing words from one part of speech to another (e.g., a noun to a verb) effectively changes the sentence's structure:

• Original: Smoking frequently leads to lung cancer.
• Paraphrased: Frequent smoking is often a leading factor in the development of lung cancer.

Practice Makes Perfect: Developing Your Paraphrasing Skills

To improve your paraphrasing ability, regular practice is essential. Incorporating the following strategies into your study routine can enhance your skill set.

Reading and Noticing

Pay attention to how professional writers use language. Notice synonyms, sentence structure, and word forms in different reading materials.

Keeping a Vocabulary Journal

Document new words, their synonyms, and example sentences. Regularly refer to this journal and incorporate these words into your practice essays.

Doing Paraphrasing Exercises

Start with simple sentences and progressively work towards paraphrasing complex ideas. Checking the accuracy of paraphrased sentences with a teacher or language tool can be incredibly helpful.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Paraphrasing

While paraphrasing, it's important to avoid some common mistakes:

• Losing the original meaning: Ensure that the paraphrased sentence conveys the same idea.
• Using too many words: Over-complicating a paraphrased sentence can reduce clarity.
• Sticking too closely to the original structure: This is not true paraphrasing and may be considered plagiarism.

Conclusion

Paraphrasing is an indispensable skill in IELTS Writing Task 2 that requires practice and a good command of the English language. By employing the techniques provided in this chapter and avoiding common errors, you are more likely to produce a sophisticated and high-scoring essay.

Kicking off your practice with an understanding of these principles will put you on the path to achieving the band score you aim for in IELTS Writing Task 2. Remember, variation in language and style through paraphrasing not only showcases your command of English but also keeps your writing engaging and effective.