Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the importance of being able to paraphrase. Paraphrasing is very important in your IELTS writing, not only for the writing test but for all of the other parts of the test too. Being able to paraphrase will show the examiner that you have a wide vocabulary, helping you to achieve a higher band score.
To paraphrase text is to read the question then rewrite it in your own words. You should not copy words straight from the question, instead change the order of the words and choose words with a similar meaning (a synonym). This means you are using different words to write about the same idea.
Paraphrasing Example 1
Here is an example of a Writing Task 2 Question >>
In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?
Paraphrased >>
In many countries all over the world today, there are many people who are extremely overweight.
Feedback
Here the student changed obesity to extremely overweight and then changed current society to many countries all over the world.
Paraphrasing Example 2
Here is an example of a Writing Task 2 Question >>
Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?
Paraphrased >>
There is an ongoing debate on the merits of having a rigid discipline system in place for all crimes committed.
Feedback
Here the student changed the wording, to have a similar meaning, but they have not directly copied words from the question. They have used rigid discipline system to replace fixed punishments.
Paraphrasing Example 3
Here is an example of a Writing Task 2 Question >>
Due to poorer countries experiencing a ‘brain drain’ they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.
What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?
Paraphrased >>
In many developing countries, there are a number of skilled academics leaving in search of better pay, increased socioeconomic benefits, and the chance to earn citizenship in a developed country.
Feedback
Here the student has replaced professionals with skilled academics. They have also expanded on the ‘why’ looking at reasons these people might leave.
USING SYNONYMS
Synonyms are words you use when you want to write a word that has a similar meaning to the original word in the question. For example;
Society / Community / Humanity
Professional / Specialist / Authority
Healthy / Active / Lively
Economic / Fiscal / Commercial
Obese / Fat / Heavy
Punishment / Discipline / Retribution
TIP >> When paraphrasing the question, you don’t need to change all of the words, but you should try to change most of them. Be careful though, because choosing a word that has a similar meaning – not the same meaning can make the meaning of the sentence change or become unclear.
TIP >> The best way to practice this is to have a look at writing task 2 questions and paraphrase/re-write the question in your own words. Whilst practising you can use an online thesaurus tool to help you find synonyms and learn new words.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Essential vocabulary and phrases for IELTS success. Includes contextual usage, collocations, and practice exercises.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will be looking in-depth at lexical resources for IELTS Exams, Marking Criteria, Synonym, Antonym, Paraphrasing and Collocations. Also, check the list of Lexical resources for the IELTS Test.
What is a Lexical resource?
The lexical resource is the criteria that measure the capability of language knowledge of the candidate based on the use of the various aspects of contextual vocabulary in particular.
In IELTS lexical resources are measured in the Speaking and Writing section where the idea is to be presented by the candidate as a task.
Marking Criteria:
While you are preparing for your IELTS Speaking Test it is important that you understand the marking criteria.
Lexical resources count for around 20-25% of your speaking test score, therefore it is vital that you understand what the examiner wants.
You will be able to achieve a higher score if you can demonstrate your ability to paraphrase and use synonyms. Knowing how to say something in a different way.
Using varied vocabulary and common word combinations is important in order to get a band score 7 or above.
How can we improve lexical resources in IELTS?
To get better at Lexical resources in IELTS you need to focus on following elements of English Grammar:
Synonym
Antonym
Paraphrasing
Collocations
Synonyms
What is a synonym?
Synonym, in general, is a word or phrase that offers the same or similar meaning to the word or phrase provided. Example: synonym of amazing is incredible, awesome Use of synonyms is a good way to show your vocabulary knowledge, as long as they are appropriate choices.
To be successful in all areas of the IELTS test you need to be able to recognise and use synonyms appropriately.
One way to do this when you are practising is by looking up for synonyms of common words in a thesaurus. This can help you to find synonyms but also to learn to select the right synonym to fit into your sentence.
Use of synonym: Example;
Last year we visited Corfu in Greece and it was amazing.
Can you think of another word to use other than ‘amazing’?
How about incredible, marvellous, awesome, stunning or wonderful?
Last year we visited Corfu in Greece and it was incredible.
Antonyms
What is an Antonym?
Antonyms, in general, is a word or phrase that offers the opposite or different meaning to the word or phrase provided. Example: antonym of early is late. You can use antonyms, to show your vocabulary/lexical ability as long as they are appropriate choices.
For example:
My language lesson was really early today. My language lesson was really late today.
Other examples of antonyms:
Happy and sad
Young and old
Risky and safe
Rich and poor
Cool and hot
Excited and bored.
Paraphrasing
What is an Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is an activity of presenting the sentence or phrase using alternate words(usually synonym and antonym) to attend better clarity.
It is a skill that is needed in all parts of the test. When the examiner asks you a question, you should not repeat the question back to them as part of your answer.
Instead, you should paraphrase it and this means restructuring.
For example, if the examiner asks you:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of young people using social media?
Your answer could include the words benefits and drawbacks, instead of repeating the words, advantages and disadvantages.
Question example:
Examiner: What kind of holiday do you like?
Answer 1
The holidays I like tend to be anywhere that is hot with a beach! I like to go and spend time with my friends.
Answer 2
When I travel, I really enjoy visiting places with a warmer climate, where I can relax on a beach. Last year I visited Corfu in Greece and I had the most wonderful time, exploring small unspoilt beaches by hiring a boat to tour the island.
Which one do you think is the better answer?
Answer 2 is better because it answers the question with more specific information. It also does not repeat words that are in the question.
Collocations
What is an Collocations?
A collocation is made up of two or more words that are commonly used together in English. Think of collocations as words that usually go together.
The more you use collocations, the more you will sound like a native speaker.
There are different kinds of collocations in English. Strong collocations are word pairings that are expected to work together.
For example;
make the bed: I need to make the bed every morning.
do the homework: My niece does her homework after dinner.
take a risk: Some people don’t take enough risks in life.
give someone advice: The teacher gave us some advice on taking tests.
Common verb collocations are often followed by particular nouns or adjectives.
For example;
make a phone call: I have to go and make a phone call.
get wet: It rained today and I got wet.
keep a record: I keep a record of all of my bank statements.
break down: I was on the way to work this morning and my car broke down.
Collocations are often used as short expressions to describe how someone feels about a situation. In this case, collocations can be used in the adjective form, or also as emphatic expressions using an intensifier and a verb.
For example;
positively encourage someone to do something: I’d like to positively encourage you to apply for the position.
deeply regret the loss of someone/something: I deeply regret saying no to that job offer.
to be in an utter fury over something: I am in an utter fury over missing out on getting those gig tickets.
to go to great lengths to do something: She went to great lengths to be able to move to another country.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
