If you’ve ever felt like the question and the passage are talking about completely different things, you’re not alone. The IELTS reading test is designed to test your understanding of ideas, not just words — and this is where paraphrasing comes in.
✅ 1. What is Paraphrasing in IELTS?
Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea in different words. The IELTS examiners love using paraphrases to test whether you really understand the meaning — not just whether you can match words.
In the IELTS Reading section:
- Questions are rarely worded the same way as the text.
- The test uses synonyms, passive voice, changed word forms, or restructured sentences to hide the answers in plain sight.
So, the trick is to train your brain to spot the meaning, even if the wording looks different.
✅ 2. Common Paraphrasing Techniques in IELTS Reading
Here’s how they change the wording between the passage and the questions/options:
| In the Passage | In the Question |
|---|---|
| “Due to the rise in sea levels…” | “As a result of increasing ocean height…” |
| “Children exposed to secondhand smoke…” | “Kids who inhale smoke indirectly…” |
| “The plant’s growth was inhibited by the cold.” | “Low temperatures prevented the plant from growing.” |
| “The scientist suggested a new approach.” | “A new method was proposed by the researcher.” |
These are just a few examples of how the same idea can look very different.
✅ 3. How to Use Paraphrasing to Find the Answer
📌 Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
Underline key phrases — not just single words, but entire ideas. Ask yourself, “What is this question really asking?”
📌 Step 2: Translate the Question in Your Own Words
Before going to the text, try to rephrase the question in simpler terms. This helps you understand what to look for in the passage.
📌 Step 3: Search for the Idea, Not the Exact Words
Go to the relevant part of the passage (use skimming/scanning skills) and look for a sentence or phrase that matches the meaning, even if the wording is different.
📌 Step 4: Match Meaning, Not Appearance
Choose the answer that reflects the same message, even if none of the words are an exact match.
✅ 4. Real IELTS Example
Question:
What is the main reason some birds migrate long distances?
Passage:
“Certain species of birds cover thousands of kilometers annually in search of more abundant food supplies available in warmer climates.”
Paraphrase Clue:
- “Cover thousands of kilometers” → “Migrate long distances”
- “In search of more abundant food” → “Main reason” = food availability
✅ Correct Answer: To find better access to food
See how the question didn’t use any of the same words? But the idea was identical.
✅ 5. Practice Activities to Build Paraphrasing Skills
- Read a short paragraph and rewrite it in your own words without changing the meaning.
- Use IELTS practice tests and try to predict how the question might be reworded.
- Use vocabulary tools to learn synonyms and word families (e.g., develop → growth, prevent → stop, study → research).
- Watch IELTS Reading YouTube tutorials that break down paraphrased questions and answers.
🎯 Quick Recap
- IELTS Reading questions almost never use exact words from the passage.
- Learn to identify paraphrases through meaning, not vocabulary.
- Practice rewording ideas in your own words to sharpen this skill.
- Always ask: “What does this question really mean?”
💬 Final Thought
“In IELTS, it’s not the words that matter most — it’s the meaning behind them.”
If you master paraphrasing, you’ll find the right answers even when the language is tricky or unfamiliar. This skill alone can dramatically raise your score and confidence.
