This approach is all about spotting ideas that are expressed differently in the passage compared to the statement.
So, how can you put this paraphrase recognition method into action?
First, when you read the statement, try to rephrase it in your mind using different words.
Next, when you’re scanning the relevant part of the text, keep an eye out for ideas that match your rephrased version, not just the exact words from the statement.
Finally, when you find a potential match, compare the meaning of what you’ve found in the passage to the original statement.
Are they saying the same thing, even if the words are different?
Practical Examples
Let’s look at how this might work in practice with 8 different scenarios:
Environmental Article Scenario
Statement: “Plastic waste is the primary cause of ocean pollution.”
Paraphrased idea: Main reason for dirty seas is plastic trash
In the passage, you might find: “While various factors contribute to marine contamination, discarded plastic items represent the most significant threat to our oceans’ health.”
Here, the passage expresses the same idea as the statement, but with different words. This would be a True statement.
Historical Text Scenario
Statement: “The Industrial Revolution began in England in the late 18th century.”
Paraphrased idea: England was where the Industrial Revolution started, around 1780-1800
The passage might say: “The transformation of manufacturing processes, known as the Industrial Revolution, had its origins in Great Britain during the final decades of the 1700s.”
In this case, the passage uses different words but conveys the same information as the statement. This would also be a True statement.
Technology Article Scenario
Statement: “Artificial Intelligence will make all current jobs obsolete.”
Paraphrased idea: AI will replace every existing type of work
If the passage discusses AI’s impact on employment but doesn’t make such a sweeping claim about all jobs becoming obsolete, this would likely be a Not Given statement.
The passage might mention AI changing many jobs without stating it will eliminate all of them.
Scientific Article Scenario
Statement: “Climate change is primarily caused by human activities.”
Paraphrased idea: People are the main reason for global warming
In the passage, you might find: “Anthropogenic factors, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial processes and deforestation, are the dominant drivers of the observed changes in our planet’s climate system.”
This would be a True statement, as the passage expresses the same idea using more technical language.
Economic Text Scenario
Statement: “Inflation always leads to a decrease in purchasing power.”
Paraphrased idea: Rising prices mean money buys less
The passage might say: “As the general price level in an economy increases, consumers typically find that their currency doesn’t stretch as far, resulting in a reduction of real buying capacity.”
This is another True statement, with the passage explaining the concept of decreased purchasing power in different words.
Nutritional Article Scenario
Statement: “Eating vegetables is essential for a healthy diet.”
Paraphrased idea: You must consume plants to be healthy
The passage might read: “A balanced nutritional intake, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, is crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing various diseases.”
This would be a False statement. While the passage emphasizes the importance of vegetables, it doesn’t state they are essential or the only important component of a healthy diet.
Astronomical Text Scenario
Statement: “Mars is the only planet that could potentially support human life.”
Paraphrased idea: Humans could only live on Mars, not other planets
If the passage discusses: “While Mars has long been considered a potential candidate for human colonization due to its relative proximity and certain similarities to Earth, recent studies have also highlighted possibilities on some of Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons.”
This would be a False statement. The passage suggests Mars is not the only potential option for supporting human life.
Educational Policy Article Scenario
Statement: “Standardized testing is the best way to measure student performance.”
Paraphrased idea: Student achievement is most accurately assessed through uniform exams
The passage might state: “While standardized testing provides a consistent metric for comparing student performance across different schools and regions, educators increasingly recognize the value of diverse assessment methods, including project-based evaluations and portfolio reviews.”
This would be a Not Given statement. The passage acknowledges standardized testing as one method but doesn’t claim it’s the best way to measure student performance.
You might find it helpful to read articles and try to express the main ideas in your own words. The more you practice rephrasing, the better you’ll become at recognizing paraphrases in the IELTS Reading test. Take a look at a practice test in Reading: Climate Change Topic Passage
I’m really curious to hear about your experiences with IELTS Reading True/False/Not Given questions.
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