IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Paraphrase the Question for Band 8 Introductions
Quick answer: Paraphrase the IELTS Task 2 question by combining 5 techniques: synonym substitution, word-form change, voice change, clause re-ordering, and generalisation. The goal is to retain the original meaning with no more than 30% lexical overlap.
This guide is part of the WitPrep IELTS Hub. It is updated for 2026 with the current IELTS format, fees, and band descriptors. If you want a personalised band estimate before reading, run the free IELTS diagnostic.
Why introduction paraphrasing matters
Examiners are explicitly instructed to check whether the introduction paraphrases the question. Copying the question is graded as no Lexical Resource demonstration — capping the introduction at band 5.
Strong paraphrasing in the introduction signals to the examiner that the rest of your essay will also demonstrate lexical range.
The introduction is also where Task Response is first assessed. Paraphrasing while keeping the meaning intact shows you understand the question.
Technique 1: synonym substitution
Replace every content word in the question with a synonym. Function words (a, the, is, of) stay the same.
Example: "Many people believe that television is harmful for children." → "A widespread view is that television is detrimental to young people."
Synonyms: many → a widespread, numerous, considerable; people → individuals, the public; believe → contend, hold the view; harmful → detrimental, damaging; children → young people, youth.
Technique 2: word-form change
Change nouns to verbs, verbs to nouns, adjectives to adverbs.
Example: "the importance of education" → "how important education is" or "that education is critically important".
Word-form change shows grammatical range, which boosts both Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range scores.
Technique 3: voice change
Active to passive: "Governments must reduce pollution" → "Pollution must be reduced by governments."
Passive to active: "Many laws have been introduced" → "Lawmakers have introduced many laws."
Use sparingly — voice change is only natural when the agent or patient is the focus of the sentence.
Technique 4: clause re-ordering
Move subordinate clauses or prepositional phrases.
Example: "Although many people enjoy travelling, some prefer to stay at home." → "While some prefer to stay at home, many people derive pleasure from travelling."
Re-ordering combined with synonym substitution gives <30% lexical overlap easily.
Technique 5: generalisation
Replace specific terms with general categories.
Example: "Children spend too much time on smartphones" → "Young people increasingly devote substantial time to digital devices."
Generalisation also lets you smoothly bridge into your thesis statement.
After paraphrasing, count overlapping content words. Anything above 30% means you should re-paraphrase.
Sample paraphrased introductions
Question: "Some people think that the government should ban dangerous sports. Others argue that people should be free to do as they wish. Discuss both views."
Weak paraphrase (band 5): "Some people think that the government should ban dangerous sports while others argue that people should be free to do as they wish. This essay will discuss both views."
Strong paraphrase (band 8): "Whether high-risk recreational activities should be prohibited by the state divides public opinion: while some advocate strict regulation, others maintain that personal autonomy must take precedence. This essay considers both perspectives before offering an evaluation."
Word overlap: 15% (down from 90%). Lexical demonstration: 5+ academic synonyms.
Practice this with WitPrep
Reading about IELTS only gets you so far — band gains come from rubric-graded practice. Open the IELTS Writing coach to drill this exact skill with band-by-band feedback. If you have not yet baselined your level, start with the free IELTS diagnostic (free, ~10 min).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many sentences should my introduction be?
2–3 sentences, totalling 40–55 words. Sentence 1 paraphrases the question; sentence 2 (if separate) states your thesis or essay structure.
Can I keep some words from the original question?
Yes, but limit overlap to ~30% of content words. Function words (the, of, that) don't count.
Do I need a hook or attention-grabber?
No. IELTS Task 2 introductions are functional, not journalistic. Skip hooks.
What's a thesis statement?
A one-sentence summary of your essay's main argument or structure. "This essay argues that X because of Y and Z."
Can I use rhetorical questions?
Sparingly. Overuse looks informal. Maximum one per essay.
Should I state which side I'll take in the introduction?
For opinion essays yes (state your position). For discussion essays you can state your final position or reveal it in the conclusion.
How we verify this content
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