When I ask students, “What makes IELTS Reading hard?” — most say: “I don’t see the answer in the passage.”
Here’s the truth: The answer is there. It’s just rewritten.
Paraphrasing is the core technique IELTS uses to make reading questions tricky. They’ll never copy a sentence from the passage into the question. Instead, they change the words but keep the meaning.
If you can learn how to spot paraphrasing — with synonyms, reordering, grammar shifts, and logical language — you’ll unlock a huge number of correct answers.
Let’s train your eye to recognise paraphrasing clearly and confidently.
Paraphrasing means saying the same idea using different words or sentence structures.
In IELTS Reading, paraphrasing is used:
Your job is to understand the meaning — not the exact wording.
| Paraphrasing Technique | Example |
| Synonyms | “children” → “youngsters” |
| Grammar shift | “was designed by” → “the designer created” |
| Word class change | “success” → “succeeded” |
| Passive to active | “The law was passed” → “Parliament passed the law” |
| Negatives & contrast | “not allowed” → “forbidden” |
| Comparative/superlative change | “more effective” → “better than” |
| Cause/effect shifts | “due to illness” → “because she was sick” |
Recognizing these shifts can mean the difference between Band 6 and Band 8.
Paragraph (based on IELTS 14, Test 1):
The introduction of plastic packaging in the mid-20th century revolutionized food preservation. Lightweight, cheap, and versatile, plastic quickly replaced glass and paper as the dominant material. However, by the 1990s, environmentalists began raising concerns about the long-term impact of non-biodegradable waste.
Question:
Why did environmental groups criticize the use of plastic?
Answer:
Because it causes long-term environmental problems.
This is paraphrasing in action:
Scanning technique:
Band 5 Learner | Band 8 Learner |
Looks for exact words | Looks for meaning |
Gets confused by synonyms | Understands flexible vocabulary |
Answers too quickly | Matches grammar and logic carefully |
Misses passive/active shift | Notices sentence structure changes |
Mistake | Tip |
Expecting exact words | Practice with synonyms every day |
Ignoring sentence logic | Check subject/verb agreement and tone |
Falling for “keyword match” | Read full sentence, not just the word |
Assuming synonyms are always correct | Confirm meaning, not just the word |
Text:
In 2007, smartphone usage increased dramatically in Europe due to advances in wireless technology.
Question:
What caused a surge in mobile phone use in Europe in 2007?
Answer:
Technological improvement in wireless systems
🧠 Matching Headings →
📄 Sentence Completion →
💬 Skimming and Scanning Skills →
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