How should you use paraphrase in the introduction?

• A. Use identical wording
• B. Provide a verbatim quote
• C. Skip introduction
• D. Use paraphrase to introduce the topic

Answer: (D)

Restating the task in your own words to introduce the topic is what you’re aiming for. In the introduction of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you should paraphrase the prompt to present what the chart, graph, or table is about, using different vocabulary and sentence structure. This shows you understand the information and can express the same idea without copying verbatim. Paraphrasing to introduce the topic also helps you set up a clear, natural lead-in for the overview and the details that follow, which is essential for a cohesive response.

Why this is the best choice? It demonstrates language flexibility and accuracy while creating a smooth entry into the analysis. It avoids simply repeating the prompt word-for-word, which would limit your lexical range and can distract from the flow of your report. It also aligns with the task’s goal of summarizing and comparing data rather than quoting or reproducing the prompt.

The other options don’t fit because copying identical wording doesn’t show your ability to rephrase and vary language; a verbatim quote is not appropriate for this introduction and can feel unnatural in an academic report; skipping the introduction leaves out necessary context and framing. Paraphrasing to introduce the topic provides a clean, coherent start that leads naturally into the overview. For example, if the prompt states that “the chart shows changes in unemployment rates from 2000 to 2020,” you could paraphrase as “the chart illustrates how unemployment figures evolved between 2000 and 2020.”