Mastering Paraphrasing for the TOEFL Integrated Task in 2025

Paraphrasing is one of the most essential skills for mastering the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task in 2025. On test day, you'll face a reading passage and a lecture. To score high, you must accurately present the ideas from the reading in your own words-especially when writing the introduction or summarizing main points. Simply copying the original text can lower your score and even lead to plagiarism. Strong paraphrasing not only shows your understanding but also demonstrates your academic language ability-something examiners love to see!

Whether you're aiming for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic success, this guide will teach you how to paraphrase reading passages with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and practice smarter. Let's dive in!

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Why Is Paraphrasing So Important in the TOEFL Integrated Task?

If you've already taken a few practice Integrated Writing Tasks, you may have noticed: the reading passage stays on the screen, making it easy to repeat sentences word for word. This is tempting-especially under exam pressure. However, TOEFL raters are trained to spot copied phrases, and using the original wording will seriously hurt your score.

Strong paraphrasing does three crucial things:

• Shows you understood the content.
• Demonstrates your ability to express ideas in academic English.
• Prevents plagiarism and promotes originality.

The same is true for IELTS and PTE Academic, where paraphrasing is key to achieving high marks in writing tasks.

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What Does Paraphrasing Mean on the TOEFL?

Paraphrasing means expressing the ideas from the reading in your own words and sentence structure-while keeping the original meaning unchanged. It's not just swapping a few words; you need to change the sentence structure, use synonyms thoughtfully, and sometimes reorganize information.

For example:

Original: Critics argue that the policy will harm small businesses.
Paraphrase: According to the article, some critics believe the policy would negatively impact small companies.

Notice the changes:

• "Critics argue" → "some critics believe"
• "will harm" → "would negatively impact"
• "small businesses" → "small companies"

You don't need to change technical terms or main keywords if there are no alternatives-but other words and phrases should be reworded.

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How to Paraphrase the Reading Passage: Step-by-Step

Let's break down the paraphrasing process into simple steps you can use in your TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic writing tasks:

1. Understand the Original

Do not start paraphrasing until you fully understand the passage. Read it carefully and make sure you know:

• The main point
• Any supporting details or reasons

If you don't understand something, paraphrasing it will be inaccurate and confusing!

2. Identify Key Noun and Verb Phrases

Ask yourself: What are the big ideas here?
Focus on nouns and verbs that carry the message. Leave out unnecessary adjectives or examples unless required for context.

3. Use Paraphrasing Techniques

Here are the most effective methods for paraphrasing on the TOEFL Integrated Task (and academic writing in general):

• Use synonyms - Change key words to others with similar meanings (be careful with context!)
• Change sentence structure - Rearrange the order or type of clause (e.g., from passive to active)
• Change parts of speech - Noun to verb, verb to adjective, etc.
• Summarize chunks - Condense or rephrase main ideas if sentences are long
• Rephrase with reporting verbs - Use verbs like "suggest", "contend", "maintain", "state" for academic tone
• Combine or split sentences - Join short ideas together or split long ones to clarify logic

4. Write Your Version Without Looking

Cover the original passage and write your summary or point. Then, compare with the original to check you maintained the meaning, but not the wording.

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Practical Paraphrasing Examples for the TOEFL Integrated Task

Let's see some real examples using common reading passage sentences and effective paraphrases. After each pair, notice what changed and what stayed the same.

Example 1

Original:
The reading states that sea otter populations have declined mainly due to predation and environmental pollution.

Paraphrase:
According to the passage, the main reasons for the drop in sea otter numbers are predators and pollution in their habitats.

What changed?

• "states that" → "according to the passage"
• "sea otter populations have declined" → "drop in sea otter numbers"
• "mainly due to" → "the main reasons for"
• "predation and environmental pollution" → "predators and pollution in their habitats"

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Example 2

Original:
The article argues that the EAS program benefits rural areas by providing convenient air travel and boosting economic growth.

Paraphrase:
The author maintains that the EAS initiative supports remote regions by offering easy flight access and encouraging local economies.

What changed?

• "argues that" → "maintains that"
• "EAS program" → "EAS initiative"
• "benefits rural areas" → "supports remote regions"
• "providing convenient air travel" → "offering easy flight access"
• "boosting economic growth" → "encouraging local economies"

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Example 3

Original:
Experts have found that genetically modified crops can be engineered to include extra nutrients missing from many diets.

Paraphrase:
Researchers have discovered that GM crops may be created to contain additional vitamins that are often lacking in people's nutrition.

What changed?

• "Experts have found" → "Researchers have discovered"
• "genetically modified crops" → "GM crops"
• "can be engineered to include" → "may be created to contain"
• "extra nutrients missing from many diets" → "additional vitamins that are often lacking in people's nutrition"

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Example 4

Original: The reading passage claims that using wind energy is a safer, more sustainable option compared to building nuclear power plants.

Paraphrase: According to the article, wind power is presented as a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to the construction of nuclear facilities.

What changed?

• "the reading passage claims" → "according to the article"
• "using wind energy" → "wind power"
• "safer, more sustainable option" → "safer and more environmentally friendly alternative"
• "compared to building nuclear power plants" → "to the construction of nuclear facilities"

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Example 5

Original: The survey revealed that urban congestion charges improved public transportation and decreased pollution.

Paraphrase: The study indicated that implementing tolls in cities led to better public transit and reduced environmental contamination.

What changed?

• "The survey revealed" → "The study indicated"
• "urban congestion charges" → "implementing tolls in cities"
• "improved public transportation" → "led to better public transit"
• "and decreased pollution" → "and reduced environmental contamination"

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How to Paraphrase the Introduction for the TOEFL Integrated Essay

The most common place to begin paraphrasing is your first paragraph. Examiners expect you to restate the reading's main point and explain how the lecture responds. Here's a useful structure and model answers to help you practice:

Template for TOEFL Integrated Writing Introduction

The reading and the lecture are both about [topic]. While the author of the article argues that [reading's main point], the lecturer disputes these claims and maintains that [lecture's main point].

Model Answer

Original Reading Main Idea:
The reading discusses how privatizing infrastructure projects leads to financial gain, innovation, and better maintenance.

Paraphrased Introduction:
Both the passage and the lecture examine the topic of privatizing infrastructure. The author believes that allowing private companies to manage public projects results in increased revenue, new technological advances, and improved upkeep. However, the lecturer refutes these arguments, presenting several reasons why privatization may not deliver these advantages.*

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Tips to Paraphrase Key Points in Body Paragraphs

For each reading point, you'll need to paraphrase and then connect the lecture's reply. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Always signal the source - Use phrases like "The article suggests", "According to the reading", or "The author claims"
• Restate the idea in your own words - Don't copy!
• Make sure you preserve the meaning

Reading Point Example

Original:
First, the reading claims that wind turbines in the Great Lakes create more jobs and benefit the local economy.

Paraphrased:
To begin with, the article asserts that establishing wind energy projects in the Great Lakes area generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic activity.

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Common Mistakes in TOEFL Paraphrasing (and How to Fix Them)

1. Word-for-Word Copying

• Mistake: Using the same phrases as the reading
  Example: "Sea otter populations have declined due to predation and environmental pollution."
• Fix: Change both the vocabulary and structure
  Better: "Sea otter numbers have dropped mainly because of predators and pollutants in their ecosystem."

2. Only Changing a Few Words (Echoing)

• Mistake: Swapping a few words for synonyms but keeping the sentence structure
  Example: "The article says that genetically modified crops can provide additional nutrients for many diets."
• Fix: Change how the information is presented
  Better: "According to the text, GM crops may offer nutrients that people's usual food intake lacks."

3. Not Understanding the Meaning

• Mistake: Paraphrasing without first comprehending the idea (inaccurate or illogical rewording)
• Fix: Pause, read again, and mentally explain it in simple terms before writing

4. Changing Essential Academic Keywords

• Mistake: Altering technical or key subject terms with imprecise words (e.g., "ecosystem" → "system")
• Fix: Retain important subject-specific terms if there is no true synonym

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Paraphrasing Techniques You Can Use Today

Technique 1: Synonym Substitution

• Original: Many students are in favor of online classes.
• Paraphrase: A large number of learners support virtual courses.

Technique 2: Change Sentence Structure

• Original: The reading mentions that environmental pollution harms sea otters.
• Paraphrase: According to the article, sea otters are negatively affected by pollution in their surroundings.

Technique 3: Change the Part of Speech

• Original: Scientists claim that the policy is beneficial.
• Paraphrase: Scientists assert the benefits of this policy.

Technique 4: Combine or Split Sentences

• Original: Wind power is safe. It is also sustainable.
• Paraphrase: Wind power is considered both a safe and a sustainable energy source.

Technique 5: Rephrase Using Reporting Verbs

• Original: The lecture says the new system is not effective.
• Paraphrase: The professor argues that the recently introduced system fails to achieve the intended results.

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TOEFL and IELTS Paraphrasing: Practice Strategies

If you're aiming for your best score in TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic writing:

1. Practice with Real Passages: Take short excerpts from past exams or textbooks and paraphrase them.
2. Use Note-taking: Write brief notes on key points, then paraphrase those notes for your essay.
3. Do Multiple Versions: Try rewriting the same idea in two or three different ways.
4. Check With Tools: Use Essay Tutor (study.essaytutor.app) to instantly check your paraphrase for grammar, vocabulary, and originality.
5. Self-Evaluation: After paraphrasing, ask: Does it keep the original meaning? Is it different enough from the source? Is it easy to read?

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Latest Trends: TOEFL Scoring and Paraphrasing in 2025

As of 2025, TOEFL raters increasingly focus on evidence of original expression and academic style. Even if your vocabulary isn't very advanced, genuinely original phrasing, clear logic, and accurate meaning will score higher than borrowed wording. Automated tools are sometimes used to check for too much repetition from the prompt.

Key points from updated scoring rubrics:

• Paraphrase essential information from the reading accurately
• Use your own words and structure
• Organize your sentences logically
• Clearly distinguish between reading and lecture content

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How Essay Tutor Can Help You Master Paraphrasing

Practicing paraphrasing is the best way to build fluency and confidence. Essay Tutor (study.essaytutor.app) takes your practice further:

• Instantly analyzes your essays for copied phrases and suggests better paraphrased alternatives
• Provides grammar feedback and phrase enhancements
• Offers real exam-style prompts for TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic
• Shows you model answers to learn effective paraphrase techniques

Frequent practice and immediate feedback will help you develop the mental habit of paraphrasing-so you avoid accidental copying under test pressure.

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Try It Yourself: Paraphrase This Sentence

Original:
"Many scientists believe that the recent decline in bee populations is due to increased pesticide use and habitat loss."

Your Paraphrase:
(Tip: Write your version, then compare with the examples below.)

Sample Paraphrases:

• Numerous researchers suggest that bee numbers have dropped recently because of more widespread pesticide application and the destruction of their living environments.
• According to experts, the recent reduction in bee populations can be attributed to greater pesticide usage and a decrease in available habitats.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paraphrasing for TOEFL & IELTS

What if my paraphrase is much shorter than the original?

That's fine-as long as you have captured all the essential information. Paraphrasing often means summarizing and condensing long sentences.

Is it okay to use the same technical terms as in the reading?

Yes. Subject-specific keywords (like "ecosystem", "climate change", or "photosynthesis") can and should be kept. Don't try to invent synonyms for established academic terms.

Can I use bullet points or lists in my answer?

No, always write in full sentences and clear academic paragraphs.

What happens if I copy just one or two phrases?

Occasional overlap on technical terms is fine, but whole phrases or sentences copied from the reading will lower your score and may be flagged as plagiarism.

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Over to You: Start Practicing Paraphrasing Today

Paraphrasing is your ticket to a high score in TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic writing. Remember:

• Always read and understand before rewording
• Use a variety of paraphrasing techniques
• Make your essays original, clear, and academic
• Practice regularly and get instant feedback

Ready to see how your paraphrasing skills stack up? Visit Essay Tutor to get instant feedback, grammar suggestions, and model answers for TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE essay practice.

You've got this-happy paraphrasing, and may your next writing score reflect your hard work and new skills!