Mastering Paraphrasing Skills for Matching Comments in IELTS Listening

Mastering Paraphrasing Skills for Matching Comments in IELTS Listening

n the IELTS listening exam, students are often required to match comments or descriptions to a list of items, which can include a range of topics such as products, services, or events. However, these comments are often paraphrased, which means that they are expressed in different words or phrases than what is given in the list. Developing the ability to recognize and understand these paraphrases is crucial for success in the exam. In this article, we will discuss some tips and techniques for mastering paraphrasing in the IELTS listening exam, and provide an exercise that students can use to practice these skills. By becoming proficient in this technique, students can improve their listening comprehension, and increase their chances of achieving a high score on the exam.

Exercise:

  1. Start by creating a list of 5 treatments and services, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, and yoga.

  2. Create a list of 5 comments or descriptions that could apply to each treatment or service. For example:

  • It involves stretching and deep breathing exercises.
  • It can be helpful for back pain and other musculoskeletal issues.
  • It involves manipulating the spine and joints to improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • It uses fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body.
  • It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation and reduce tension.
  1. Rewrite each comment using different words and phrases to create paraphrases. For example:
  • It involves a combination of stretching and controlled breathing exercises.
  • It can be effective for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain and joint stiffness.
  • It focuses on manipulating the spine and joints to improve range of motion and reduce discomfort.
  • It uses small needles to stimulate specific points on the body, which can promote healing and reduce pain.
  • It involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body to promote relaxation and release tension.

  1. Record yourself reading the list of treatments and services, as well as the list of comments and paraphrases.

  2. Have a partner read the comments and paraphrases out loud, while you listen and try to match each one to the appropriate treatment or service on your list.

  3. After you have completed the exercise, review the original comments and the paraphrases to see how the speaker might have used different words or expressions to convey the same meaning.

This exercise can help students develop a better understanding of how to listen for key information in the audio and recognize when the speaker is using paraphrasing techniques. It can also help them develop their own skills in paraphrasing comments and descriptions, which can be useful for a variety of writing and speaking tasks in the IELTS exam and beyond.

Now, let's begin. Please take out a pen and paper, and write down your list of items:

  1. Coffee shops
  2. Museums
  3. Beaches
  4. Movie theaters
  5. Shopping malls

And now, here are your comments or descriptions:

  1. It's a great place to people-watch and enjoy a cup of coffee.
  2. You can learn about history and culture while admiring beautiful artwork.
  3. It's the perfect spot to soak up the sun and relax on the sand.
  4. You can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters or indie films.
  5. It's a shopper's paradise with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.


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