About this lesson
To paraphrase is to say the same thing in new words. The sentence shape changes too. The teachers here agree that swapping a few words is not enough. You also need to understand the text first. Then you write from your own notes, not from the page.
The teachers warn that a synonym can change the meaning. A word may not fit the topic or the words around it. One IELTS teacher says some words can stay the same. Another suggests changing the form of a word, such as improve to improving. Always check that your version still says the same thing.
A summary is different. It keeps the main idea and drops examples and fine detail. For the PTE one-sentence task, find the key words. Then ask who did what. Teachers disagree on length and on copying from the passage. A template can help you start, but it is only a scaffold.
Examples from the clips
- IELTS Liz shows that meat consumed should become meat eaten, not meat used.
- English with Emma moves the topic to the end to change the shape.
- Learn Academic English reads a paragraph, puts it away, then retells it to a friend.
- E2 PTE writes down key words, then asks who did what to build one sentence.
Questions this lesson answers
How do I paraphrase a sentence in English?
Understand it first. Then change the words, the word forms and the order. Keep the meaning the same. Check your version against the original.
Is it enough to replace words with synonyms?
No. Teachers say a few swapped words still leave the original shape. Also, a synonym can change the meaning, so check that it fits.
How is a summary different from a paraphrase?
A summary is shorter. It keeps the main idea and drops examples and small details. A paraphrase usually keeps all the ideas.
Can I copy sentences from the passage in a one-sentence summary?
Teachers disagree. Some say copy and join sentences. E2 PTE says do not copy whole phrases. No official source is shown, so practise writing your own.
How long should a one-sentence summary be?
The limit is 5 to 75 words. Teachers suggest anything from about 30 to about 70. E2 PTE says a long sentence is hard to keep correct.