These exercises are based on the core paraphrasing techniques covered in the course: using synonyms, restructuring sentences, and changing word forms. Put your C1 rewriting skills to the test.
→ See the course : Paraphrasing in English : complete courseExercise 1 : Choosing the Best Paraphrase
Select the option that best paraphrases the original sentence using synonyms and restructuring, without changing the meaning.
- Original: 'The scientist made an important discovery that changed the field of medicine.' Which option is the best paraphrase?
- A. The scientist found something important in medicine.
- B. A significant breakthrough in medicine was achieved by the scientist.
- C. The scientist changed medicine forever by making discoveries.
- D. Medicine was studied carefully by the scientist.
- Original: 'Many students struggle to understand complex grammar rules.' Which option is the best paraphrase?
- A. Grammar rules are very complex for everyone.
- B. A large number of learners find intricate grammatical structures difficult to grasp.
- C. Students do not like learning grammar because it is hard.
- D. Complex grammar is something that students study a lot.
- Original: 'The government introduced new policies to reduce pollution.' Which option is the best paraphrase?
- A. The government wanted to stop pollution with ideas.
- B. Pollution was something the government talked about in new policies.
- C. New measures were implemented by the authorities to tackle environmental contamination.
- D. The government made pollution worse by introducing policies.
- Original: 'She quickly finished the report before the deadline.' Which option is the best paraphrase?
- A. The report was completed promptly by her ahead of the due date.
- B. She finished the report and the deadline was not missed.
- C. She wrote the report quickly without caring about the deadline.
- D. The deadline for the report was very soon so she wrote it.
Correction
- B. A significant breakthrough in medicine was achieved by the scientist.
- B. A large number of learners find intricate grammatical structures difficult to grasp.
- C. New measures were implemented by the authorities to tackle environmental contamination.
- A. The report was completed promptly by her ahead of the due date.
Exercise 2 : Matching Sentences to Their Paraphrases
Match each original sentence on the left with its correct paraphrase on the right. Each paraphrase uses synonyms, a different word form, or a restructured sentence.
- Original: 'The rapid expansion of technology has transformed modern communication.'
- Original: 'It is essential that employees follow workplace safety regulations.'
- Original: 'The researcher concluded that diet has a direct impact on mental health.'
- Original: 'Children who read frequently tend to develop stronger vocabulary skills.'
- The swift growth of technological advances has revolutionised the way people communicate today.
- According to the researcher's findings, there is a direct link between one's eating habits and psychological well-being.
- Regular reading habits in young learners are associated with the development of a more extensive range of vocabulary.
- Adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines is a fundamental requirement for all staff members.
Correction
- Original: 'The rapid expansion of technology has transformed modern communication.' – The swift growth of technological advances has revolutionised the way people communicate today.
- Original: 'It is essential that employees follow workplace safety regulations.' – Adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines is a fundamental requirement for all staff members.
- Original: 'The researcher concluded that diet has a direct impact on mental health.' – According to the researcher's findings, there is a direct link between one's eating habits and psychological well-being.
- Original: 'Children who read frequently tend to develop stronger vocabulary skills.' – Regular reading habits in young learners are associated with the development of a more extensive range of vocabulary.
Exercise 3 : Completing a Paraphrase
Complete each paraphrase by filling in the blank with the correct word or phrase. The completed sentence must convey the same meaning as the original using a different word form or synonym.
- Original: 'She was extremely curious about the results of the experiment.' Paraphrase: She showed great ___ in the outcome of the experiment. (noun form of 'curious')
- Original: 'The company decided to expand its operations into new markets.' Paraphrase: The company made the decision to ___ its activities into previously untapped markets. (synonym of 'expand')
- Original: 'It is difficult to predict how climate change will affect future generations.' Paraphrase: ___ the impact of climate change on future generations remains a considerable challenge. (noun form of 'predict')
- Original: 'The new law was effective in reducing crime rates in the city.' Paraphrase: The new legislation proved to be ___ in bringing down criminal activity across the city. (synonym of 'effective')
Correction
- She showed great curiosity in the outcome of the experiment.
- The company made the decision to extend its activities into previously untapped markets.
- Predicting the impact of climate change on future generations remains a considerable challenge.
- The new legislation proved to be successful in bringing down criminal activity across the city.
To go further on this topic:
Previous lesson: Nuances of meaning in English : complete courseNext lesson: Playing with words in English : complete course
Other lessons at this level:
Analyzing a situation in English : complete coursePersuasion and argumentation in English : complete courseArgumentative vocabulary in English : complete course