IELTS Vocabulary: paraphrasing techniques

Here are some techniques that should help you to paraphrase (to say the same thing in different ways):

1) Use a synonym

This is important = This is significant / crucial / vital

2) Use an opposite

I found it difficult = It wasn't easy for me

3) Change active to passive

You should not do this = This should not be done

4) Use a related word (e.g. change the verb into a noun)

The number rose = There was a rise in the number

5) Consider a more formal or informal version

I am worried = I am extremely concerned (formal) / I'm stressed out (informal)

Task:
Try using some of these techniques, and let me know if you think of any others.

Comments

[Charles Ikedichukwu Asogwa.]

Thanks a lot sir for providing the solution to most of my current challenges with the speaking test.

[Pachu]

Paraphrasing - to say the same idea in different way.
1) Synonyms:big=large
2) Antonyms+negative: stay=do not go
3)Grammar :He experienced visiting France=He has visited France
a) change the word order
b) change the structure of the sentence
i) change active voice to passive or vice versa
ii) convert complex sentences to simple sentences
iii) convert phrases to clauses and vice versa
iv) change the form of the word .Noun, verb,adjective and adverb can be changed.
4)description: It's a fruit, red, round and delicious often given to teachers=Apple
5)Expression :I came across an interesting book in the library.An unusual novel was discovered by a man at the library.

[Vishaal]

Hugely important post! Thanks a lot, Simon!

[Parviz]

Hi Simon,
I "find it rather difficult" to think of any new examples. Now I am very "stressed out", no matter how many times you tell us "don't be worried".

But I know it is "vitally important", but not crucial, to keep going, I mean "continue" practicing.

The good news is "the number of errors drops" after each practice. I am very happy, therefore, because there has been a "rise in the number of" correct sentences I use.

Still I am "extremely concerned" about grammar, when I know "I shouldn't be worried". It "wasn't easy to" learn the past tense, "much less" to use them. "Not to mention", the future or present perfect tenses.

[Goldenblue]

Thank you for your helpful tips. May I ask a question about task 1? If a chart displayed data of the past, and I responded in the present tense, would I lose marks for grammar assuming that my goal is 6 for writing? Also, how would forgetting to put the unit behind numbers affect my score?

Looking forward to your response. Thank you~

[Oleg]

@ Goldenblue

Check out the following links:
https://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/06/ielts-writing-task-1-verb-tenses.html

"If they want you to use the past in the real test, the year(s) will be clearly mentioned in the question. If no time is mentioned in the question, we have to assume that the percentages on the chart represent what happens every year - therefore, use the present tense." per Simon

https://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2018/12/ielts-writing-task-1-past-simple-past-perfect.html

https://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/ielts-writing-task-1/page/3/

"The lowest figures on the chart" refers to what we a looking at now. It's in the present tense for the same reason as "the chart shows" is always in the present tense." per Simon

"I can't say whether those sentences would be correct. Whether we need to use past simple or past perfect would depend on the context.

My general advice is this:

First, it's much more likely that you'll need to use the past simple in writing task 1. If something happened in a past year, we tend to use the past simple.

Second, using a perfect tense isn't going to impress the examiner more, or help you to get a higher score, especially if you use it in the wrong situation."
per Simon

Notice that in the following sentence both present and past (or future) are used, depending on the situation:

(a) The chart shows that there was an upward trend over the period from 2000 onward.

(b) The projections show that there will be an upward trend in the future.

Getting the tenses wrong will affect the score for Grammar range and Accuracy.

Failing to put the units after numbers might diminish the accuracy and intelligibility of your report, and potentially affect the score for Task Response and even Coherence.

[Samir]

Very essential method..thanks Simon