Talk Show Example Script
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How to Paraphrase Effectively
Introduction
“Paraphrase” is a verb which means to re-write a phrase or sentence with the same meaning but using different words. Paraphrasing is a very important skill for most English tests, including TOEFL iBT, IELTS and TOEIC Speaking and Writing. In TOEFL iBT, for instance, paraphrasing is an important skill in the reading section, in the listening section and, above all, in the speaking and writing sections of the test.
Here is a quick example of paraphrasing using a phrase from the paragraph above:
1. "Paraphrasing is a very important skill for most English tests."
2. "For many tests of English, being skilful at paraphrasing is extremely important."
Notice how the paraphrased version (sentence 2) changes some vocabulary (e.g.,
“extremely” for “very”), changes the word order (e.g., “tests of English” for “English tests”) and changes the grammar (e.g., “being skilful at paraphrasing…” for “Paraphrasing is a very important skill…”) These are the three main ways to paraphrase and by combining all of these methods, you can achieve clear and accurate paraphrased sentences. The next sections will look at these methods in more detail.
Paraphrasing Method 1: Use Different Vocabulary with the Same Meaning
Most students try to use this method, but actually it can be difficult to use. The reason is that although English has many synonyms such as ‘large’ or ‘big’, it is unusual for these words to have exactly the same meaning. So, if you try to use a lot of synonyms when you paraphrase, you might produce sentences that are not natural English. Unnatural sentences are likely to reduce your score more than small mistakes because the reader may not understand what you are trying to say.
For example, look at this original sentence and two paraphrased equivalents:
1. "It can be difficult to choose a suitable place to study English."
2. "It is often a challenge to pick up (x) a
TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS classes for serious students
How to Paraphrase Effectively
Introduction
“Paraphrase” is a verb which means to re-write a phrase or sentence with the same meaning but using different words. Paraphrasing is a very important skill for most English tests, including TOEFL iBT, IELTS and TOEIC Speaking and Writing. In TOEFL iBT, for instance, paraphrasing is an important skill in the reading section, in the listening section and, above all, in the speaking and writing sections of the test.
Here is a quick example of paraphrasing using a phrase from the paragraph above:
1. "Paraphrasing is a very important skill for most English tests."
2. "For many tests of English, being skilful at paraphrasing is extremely important."
Notice how the paraphrased version (sentence 2) changes some vocabulary (e.g.,
“extremely” for “very”), changes the word order (e.g., “tests of English” for “English tests”) and changes the grammar (e.g., “being skilful at paraphrasing…” for “Paraphrasing is a very important skill…”) These are the three main ways to paraphrase and by combining all of these methods, you can achieve clear and accurate paraphrased sentences. The next sections will look at these methods in more detail.
Paraphrasing Method 1: Use Different Vocabulary with the Same Meaning
Most students try to use this method, but actually it can be difficult to use. The reason is that although English has many synonyms such as ‘large’ or ‘big’, it is unusual for these words to have exactly the same meaning. So, if you try to use a lot of synonyms when you paraphrase, you might produce sentences that are not natural English. Unnatural sentences are likely to reduce your score more than small mistakes because the reader may not understand what you are trying to say.
For example, look at this original sentence and two paraphrased equivalents:
1. "It can be difficult to choose a suitable place to study English."
2. "It is often a challenge to pick up (x) a