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Tutor Suja 's Column

Why You Should Practice Paraphrasing in English

Sep 18, 2024

If you’re learning English, paraphrasing is a skill that can really help you, both in and out of the classroom. It’s especially important for those of you preparing for language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or CELPIP, but its benefits go beyond test day.

Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea in different words. When you learn to do this well, you show that you don’t just know the meaning of words, but that you understand how to use language flexibly. In tests, this helps you avoid simply repeating phrases from the question and makes your answers more varied and interesting. It also demonstrates that you have a strong vocabulary and can think critically about how to rephrase ideas.

But paraphrasing is useful outside of tests, too. In everyday conversations, you’ll often need to explain something in a new way to help others understand you better. Maybe you’ve forgotten a specific word or need to make your point clearer. Paraphrasing gives you the ability to do that. It also helps in writing, where you can express the same idea in fresh, creative ways, making your message more engaging.

So, the next time you’re in class or practicing English, try paraphrasing. Not only will it boost your test scores, but it will also improve your overall communication skills, giving you more confidence in any situation where English is needed.