Why Paraphrasing Matters
The first sentence of every IELTS Task 2 essay should paraphrase the question.
You’re not writing a novel. You’re not trying to hook the reader. You’re telling the examiner, clearly and directly:
“I understand the topic, and here’s how I’m going to deal with it.”
Get this wrong — copy the question, change the meaning, or overcomplicate it — and the rest of your essay starts on unstable ground.
So let’s make sure you get it right, every time.
What Is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing means rewriting the question in your own words without changing its meaning.
It’s not just swapping in fancier synonyms. It’s about expressing the same idea in a natural, academic voice.
Think of it like this:
Same message. Different coat.
How to Paraphrase in Two Simple Steps
Step 1: Change the Structure — Keep the Words
Before you even think about synonyms, try rewriting the sentence using the same words in a different order. This helps you maintain the original meaning and avoid mistakes.
Example:
Due to the impact of budget airlines, many tourists can travel overseas.
Step 1 Paraphrase:
Many tourists can travel overseas due to the impact of budget airlines.
No new words. Just a flipped structure. You’ve already done most of the work.
Step 2: Change the Vocabulary — Carefully
Once the structure is solid, replace simple words with accurate, natural alternatives. Use vocabulary you’re confident with. Nothing weird or robotic.
Final Version:
Thanks to the rise of budget airlines, international travel has become accessible to a large number of people.
Use Word Families and Related Forms
Instead of pollution, try polluted, polluting, environmental damage, or air quality. You’re not just replacing — you’re reframing.
Original:
Pollution from vehicles is a major concern in many cities.
Paraphrased:
Many urban areas suffer from poor air quality due to traffic emissions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Copying the question — even with one or two swapped words, it won’t score well
-
Changing the meaning — don’t go off-topic trying to be clever
-
Using vocabulary you don’t fully understand — if it feels like a “peacock word,” it probably is
-
Overcomplicating — paraphrasing should make the topic clear, not fuzzy
Examples of Good Paraphrasing
Original:
Some people believe that parents should teach children how to be good members of society.
Bad Paraphrase:
It is considered by some individuals that the progenitors ought to instruct juveniles in societal ethics.
(Overkill. Sounds like a legal document.)
Good Paraphrase:
Many believe that it is a parent’s job to teach children how to behave responsibly in society.
(Clear. Natural. On topic.)
Paraphrasing Longer Questions
When the question includes two sentences or asks two things, your paraphrased introduction may need three sentences.
Original:
Many young children have unsupervised access to the internet and are using it to socialise with others.
This can lead to dangerous situations which can be threatening to children.
What problems do children face when going online without supervision?
How can these problems be solved?
Paraphrased (3 sentences):
In today’s digital world, many children are allowed online without adult supervision and often use the internet to interact with others.
However, this can expose them to serious risks.
These issues can be addressed through education and increased parental awareness.
Final Tips
-
Always paraphrase — never copy
-
Start by changing the sentence structure using the original words
-
Then change vocabulary using accurate, familiar alternatives
-
Use related forms and word families where helpful
-
Don’t overthink it — just make the meaning clear and natural
Want to Practise?
Try paraphrasing this IELTS question using the two-step method above:
Some people think that students should learn a wide range of subjects in school.
Others believe they should only study subjects that will be useful in the future.