Paraphrasing the question in the introduction plays a decisive role in IELTS Writing Task 2. Examiners assess this skill under the Task Response and Lexical Resource criteria, making it a direct contributor to your band score. Many candidates lose marks not because they misunderstand the topic, but because they repeat the question word for word. Why does this matter so much in IELTS writing? Paraphrasing demonstrates language control, vocabulary range, and comprehension within the very first sentence.
This article explains how to paraphrase the question effectively in your introduction, while avoiding common pitfalls that reduce scores.
Candidates who rush into writing often replace words mechanically without preserving meaning. This can distort the original intent and lead to partial task coverage. Spending one minute breaking the question into ideas prevents this error and improves clarity.
Effective paraphrasing involves selecting synonyms that match meaning and tone. “Increase” can become “rise” or “growth,” while “young people” may shift to “the younger generation.” According to IELTS examiner reports, candidates who use accurate paraphrasing consistently score higher in Lexical Resource than those who rely on repetition.
For example, a question asking why people prefer online shopping can be paraphrased by focusing on the reasons behind the growing popularity of e-commerce. The meaning remains intact, yet the structure changes noticeably. This technique reduces repetition and strengthens grammatical range.
If a word cannot be replaced without altering meaning, keep it, but change how it fits into the sentence. This balance shows awareness rather than memorisation.
For instance, after paraphrasing a question about education funding, you might indicate whether the essay will examine causes, solutions, or viewpoints. This approach improves coherence and helps the examiner anticipate the structure of your response.
Examiners expect paraphrasing skill, not perfection. What matters most is clarity, accuracy, and natural expression.
This article explains how to paraphrase the question effectively in your introduction, while avoiding common pitfalls that reduce scores.
Understand the Core Meaning First
Successful paraphrasing begins with understanding, not rewriting. Before changing words, identify the core components of the question: the topic, the instruction, and any conditions such as time, place, or groups involved. For example, if the question discusses the impact of remote work on employees, the key ideas include remote work, impact, and employees.Candidates who rush into writing often replace words mechanically without preserving meaning. This can distort the original intent and lead to partial task coverage. Spending one minute breaking the question into ideas prevents this error and improves clarity.
Use Synonyms Carefully, Not Automatically
Synonyms help demonstrate vocabulary range, but careless substitution weakens accuracy. Words in IELTS questions often carry precise meanings, so not every synonym fits. For instance, replacing “problem” with “disadvantage” may work in some contexts, but not all problems are disadvantages.Effective paraphrasing involves selecting synonyms that match meaning and tone. “Increase” can become “rise” or “growth,” while “young people” may shift to “the younger generation.” According to IELTS examiner reports, candidates who use accurate paraphrasing consistently score higher in Lexical Resource than those who rely on repetition.
Change Sentence Structure
Paraphrasing does not rely on vocabulary alone. Altering sentence structure proves stronger language control. You can convert active constructions into descriptive forms, reorder clauses, or shift from a statement to a conditional structure.For example, a question asking why people prefer online shopping can be paraphrased by focusing on the reasons behind the growing popularity of e-commerce. The meaning remains intact, yet the structure changes noticeably. This technique reduces repetition and strengthens grammatical range.
Avoid Copying Keywords Exactly
IELTS examiners tolerate the reuse of unavoidable technical terms, such as “climate change” or “social media.” However, copying multiple keywords directly from the question signals limited flexibility. Aim to rephrase at least 70 per cent of the sentence.If a word cannot be replaced without altering meaning, keep it, but change how it fits into the sentence. This balance shows awareness rather than memorisation.
Combine Paraphrasing with a Clear Position
In opinion or discussion essays, the introduction usually includes both paraphrasing and a brief position. After rewriting the question, state what the essay will focus on. This creates a complete and purposeful introduction.For instance, after paraphrasing a question about education funding, you might indicate whether the essay will examine causes, solutions, or viewpoints. This approach improves coherence and helps the examiner anticipate the structure of your response.
Practise with Feedback and Timing
Paraphrasing improves through deliberate practice. Candidates who rewrite introductions from past IELTS questions and compare them with band 8 or 9 samples develop faster accuracy. Recording common synonyms and structure patterns also builds confidence under time pressure.Examiners expect paraphrasing skill, not perfection. What matters most is clarity, accuracy, and natural expression.