Mastering paraphrasing is key to achieving a high band score in the IELTS Writing Task 1. In this article, IDP will walk you through effective paraphrasing methods and useful vocabulary that will help you impress the examiner and improve your writing skills.
1. The Importance of Paraphrasing in IELTS Writing Task 1
Paraphrasing is the skill of rewriting a phrase or sentence using your own words and expressions while retaining the original meaning. This technique helps diversify your writing, avoids repetition, and demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary—an essential criterion in the IELTS scoring system.
2. How to Paraphrase in Writing Task 1
a. Using Synonyms
This is the most straightforward method. Replace words with others of similar meaning, but always consider the context and register of the sentence.
Example:
Original: The line graph shows oil production capacity in selected Gulf countries between 1990 and 2010.
Paraphrased: The provided diagram gives information about oil production capacity in selected Gulf countries from 1990 to 2010.
b. Changing Word Forms
Use different forms of a word (e.g. verb to noun, adjective to adverb) to rewrite a sentence while maintaining its original idea.
Example:
Original: Oil production increased sharply among the countries shown.
Paraphrased: Oil production showed a sharp increase among the countries shown.
c. Rewriting Sentence Structures
This involves changing the grammatical structure while keeping the meaning.
Example:
Original: Although it experienced declines in the previous years, the figure is forecast to reach 35 percent in 2019.
Paraphrased: Despite its previous declines, the figure is forecast to reach 35 percent in 2019.
d. Changing from Active to Passive Voice
You can switch the voice to vary sentence structures and improve your range.
Example:
Original: The government should spend money on saving languages used by few speakers.
Paraphrased: Money should be spent on saving languages that few speakers use.
e. Using Dummy Subject "It"
This is helpful when rephrasing opinion or general statements.
Example:
Original: Some people think the government should ban dangerous sports.
Paraphrased: It is believed that the government should ban dangerous sports.
3. Paraphrasing Techniques for Common IELTS Writing Task 1 Question Types
Line Graphs – Describing Data and Trends
Data description vocabulary:
the trend
the data
the number
the value
the amount
the percentage of
Upward trends:
increase to
rise to
climb to
peak at
top at
jump to
skyrocket
witness a surge
Downward trends:
decrease to
drop to
fall to
slide to
shrink to
bottom at
hit a low of
experience a fall
Stable trends:
remain unchanged
stay constant at
hold steady at
go unaltered
reach a plateau at
Tables – Repetition and Time Description
For cyclical trends:
cyclical
regular
repeating every...
follow a cycle
Describing time:
from...to
commence at
conclude at
depart at
Charts – Describing Majority and Minority
Majority expressions:
the majority of
the vast majority
the lion's share
make up a significant part
by far the most
hold a slight majority
Minority expressions:
a small portion
an insignificant part
a negligible share
next to none
a tiny percentage
4. Useful Paraphrases for Common IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary
Age Groups
people aged 18 to 24
18-to-24-year-olds
the 18-24 age group
people who were between 18 and 24 years old
individuals in the 18 to 24 age range
Gender
male / female: for all age groups
men / women: for adults only
boys / girls: for children
Time Expressions
every year: annually / each year / per year
every day: daily / each day / per day
from 1998 to 2008: between 1998 and 2008 / over a 10-year period
Spending
average weekly spending: weekly spending figures
spent on average: average expenditure
the percentage of spending: the proportion of money spent on
Transportation
people who own a car: car owners
people who drive to work: car commuters / car users
train passengers: train users
forms of transport: transport modes / means of transportation
Consumption and Production
production of A: A production / the amount of A produced
consumption of A: A consumption / the number of A consumed
Users
Internet users: people who use the Internet / people with Internet access
car users: people who commute by car / people going by car
students: people with access to education
Unemployment
the proportion of unemployed people
unemployment rate
joblessness level
people without a job
Improve Your IELTS Writing with IDP
Paraphrasing is a vital part of the Lexical Resource criterion in IELTS Writing. Applying diverse and accurate paraphrases helps improve your overall band score and makes your writing stand out.
If you want to develop your skills further, IDP offers free access to premium preparation resources such as expert articles, video lessons, and sample answers. You can also attend IELTS workshops or take a practice test at an IDP test center for a real test-day experience.
Start your IELTS journey with IDP today!