Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, an IELTS Writing tutor with over 20 years of classroom and examiner experience.
One of the most common questions my students ask is, “How do I start my essay?” The answer lies in Paraphrasing for Introductions — a vital skill that demonstrates your vocabulary range, comprehension, and control of academic English.
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to restate IELTS Writing questions effectively, the common mistakes to avoid, and how a well-paraphrased introduction can instantly raise your band score.
Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea using different words or grammatical structures. In IELTS Writing, the introduction must restate the question topic in your own words — without copying it word-for-word.
For example:
Question: Many people think the government should spend more money on education than on sports. Do you agree or disagree?
Weak introduction: Many people think the government should spend more money on education than on sports. ❌ (copied)
Strong introduction: It is often argued that greater public investment should be directed towards education rather than sporting activities. ✅
The meaning remains identical, but the language shows range and accuracy — exactly what examiners reward.
According to the IELTS Band Descriptors, paraphrasing directly affects two key criteria:
Poor paraphrasing (copying or incorrect meaning) can reduce your score in both.
Accurate paraphrasing tells the examiner: “This candidate truly understands the topic.”
1️⃣ Use Synonyms (But Carefully)
Replace key words with accurate equivalents.
|
Original Word |
Possible Paraphrase |
|
people |
individuals, citizens, the public |
|
money |
funding, expenditure, financial resources |
|
education |
academic development, learning sector |
|
sports |
athletics, physical activities |
⚠️ Caution: Avoid random synonyms that change the meaning — e.g. replacing education with training may not always fit the context.
2️⃣ Change Word Forms
Transform nouns to verbs or adjectives to vary structure.
Many people think governments should spend more on education.
→ It is widely believed that governments ought to increase educational spending.
3️⃣ Use Passive Voice
Shifting to passive can improve variety and formality.
People say that online learning is as effective as classroom teaching.
→ It is said that online learning can be as effective as traditional education.
4️⃣ Change Sentence Structure
Combine or reorder parts of the sentence to sound natural.
There are many advantages to studying abroad.
→ Studying overseas offers numerous benefits.
5️⃣ Use Clause Reduction
Replace long clauses with noun phrases.
People who live in cities often face pollution.
→ Urban residents often face pollution.
Let’s walk through an example together.
Question:
In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Step 1 — Identify key ideas:
plastic containers / common use / advantages & disadvantages
Step 2 — Replace key words naturally:
plastic containers → disposable packaging
common → widespread
advantages & disadvantages → benefits and drawbacks
Step 3 — Write your paraphrased introduction:
Disposable packaging has become increasingly widespread in modern society. This essay will discuss both the benefits and drawbacks of this trend.
That’s short, clear, and perfectly paraphrased — an ideal Band 8 opening.
|
Question |
Poor Paraphrase |
Improved Version |
|
Some people think children should start school at a very early age. |
Some people believe children should begin school very early. |
It is often suggested that children ought to commence formal education at an early age. |
|
Many people work longer hours and have less free time. |
A lot of people work more and have less free time. |
An increasing number of individuals are spending extended hours at work, leaving limited time for leisure. |
|
Technology is changing the way we communicate. |
Technology changes communication. |
Advances in technology have transformed modern communication methods. |
Band 8 Tip: Don’t over-paraphrase. The goal is natural variation, not to replace every single word.
|
Module |
Context |
Example |
|
Academic |
Rephrase formal essay or report question |
The chart illustrates → The diagram compares / The data reveal |
|
General Training |
Rephrase letter instructions |
Write to your friend → Send a letter to a close acquaintance |
Both modules assess paraphrasing under Lexical Resource, but Academic tasks expect more formal vocabulary and varied structure.
Band 8 Tip: Read your paraphrased sentence aloud. If it sounds awkward, simplify it.
Question: Some people believe that living in big cities is becoming more difficult.
Try to paraphrase:
✅ Many argue that life in large urban areas is increasingly challenging for residents.
You changed:
Perfectly natural, perfectly IELTS-ready.
Effective Paraphrasing for Introductions shows the examiner that you can understand, restate, and respond to any topic in your own words.
It improves Task Response, strengthens Lexical Resource, and gives your essay a polished, professional start.
Next, move on to Vocabulary for Academic Writing to expand the precise words and collocations you’ll need for higher bands.
Or revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills mother page for your full roadmap.
For official examiner guidance, check IELTS.org.
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