Academic / B1

PAR-uh-frayz/ˈpærəfreɪz/

You paraphrase when you keep the meaning but change the words: paraphrase the question; a close paraphrase. It is essential in IELTS Writing and Reading. Quote means copy the exact words (with marks); summarise means make it shorter. Paraphrase is also a noun: a paraphrase of the opening line. Do not change the meaning when you paraphrase — that is a new claim, not a paraphrase.

Meaning

To say or write the same idea in different words.

Examples

• “In the exam, paraphrase the question; do not copy it word for word.”
• “Good candidates paraphrase the task instead of copying the rubric.”
• “Paraphrase “a significant increase” as “rose sharply”, not as “fell”. Keep the meaning.”

Good to know

paraphrase the question / sentence. Exact words: quote. Shorter: summarise. Noun: a paraphrase. Do not change the meaning.

Near in meaning

reword

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