How to paraphrase the IELTS Writing Task 1 introduction (with examples)
A quick method for paraphrasing IELTS Academic Task 1 questions—changing words, structure and time phrases—with ready-to-adapt examples.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Write a one-sentence introduction that paraphrases the question; copied wording isn't counted towards your 150 words.
Three ways to paraphrase
Combine at least two of these.
- Change the verb: shows → illustrates, compares, gives information about
- Change nouns: number of people → how many people, proportion → percentage
- Change time phrases: from 2000 to 2020 → over a 20-year period
Related guide: Learn general paraphrasing skills
Examples
Adapt these to your chart.
Question → Introduction
The graph shows the number of tourists visiting three countries between 2010 and 2020. → The line graph illustrates how many tourists travelled to three countries over a ten-year period. The diagram shows how olive oil is produced. → The diagram illustrates the stages in the production of olive oil.
Mistakes to avoid
Keep it short and accurate.
- Copying the question word for word
- Adding opinions or reasons
- Changing the meaning (e.g. 'percentage' to 'number')
- Putting the overview in the introduction
Put this into practice
Pick any Task 1 question, write your introduction and full report, and check the feedback on paraphrasing.
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Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.