How to write a good essay: Paraphrasing the question

Summary

In the video, Emma teaches viewers how to improve their writing skills for tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and university exams. She emphasizes the importance of paraphrasing when answering essay questions to avoid losing marks for copying the question verbatim. Emma provides tips on using synonyms, altering sentence structure, and incorporating concessions to present a balanced view. She encourages critical thinking and suggests visiting www.engvid.com for further resources and practice.

Takeaways

• 📝 The video focuses on improving writing skills for tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and university exams that include essay writing.
• 🚫 Avoid starting your essay by directly copying the question's wording, as this can lead to losing marks.
• 🔄 Paraphrasing is key to enhancing your writing; it involves rewording sentences while preserving their original meaning.
• 🔤 Use synonyms to replace words in the original question to demonstrate vocabulary range and avoid repetition.
• 🔀 Changing the sentence structure can help in paraphrasing, making your writing unique and less repetitive.
• 💡 Introduce concessions in your writing to show critical thinking and consideration of different perspectives.
• ✍️ Practice paraphrasing to improve your writing skills, which is beneficial for various tests and essays.
• 🌐 Visit www.engvid.com for additional resources on vocabulary, sentence structure, and practicing paraphrasing.
• 📊 Taking a quiz on the website can help you assess your paraphrasing skills and understand areas for improvement.
• 👋 The presenter, Emma, encourages viewers to apply these techniques and check out the resources for further learning.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Emma's video?

The main focus of Emma's video is to teach viewers how to improve their writing skills for tests, specifically by avoiding the common mistake of copying the question verbatim and instead using paraphrasing techniques.

Why is it important not to copy the question in your essay?

Copying the question in your essay is important to avoid because it does not demonstrate your ability to think critically or express yourself independently. It can lead to losing marks on tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and university exams.

What is the term for restating someone else's sentence in your own words?

The term for restating someone else's sentence in your own words is 'paraphrase'.

What is a synonym and how can it help in paraphrasing?

A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word but is different in form. Using synonyms can help in paraphrasing by allowing you to express the same idea with different words, which can enhance your essay and demonstrate vocabulary range.

Can you give an example of how to paraphrase the sentence 'Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country'?

An example of paraphrasing the sentence could be 'Schooling is the most crucial element in a nation's advancement'.

What is another technique to paraphrase besides using synonyms?

Another technique to paraphrase is changing the sentence structure, such as altering the order of words or changing verbs to nouns and vice versa.

What is a concession and how can it be used in an essay?

A concession is a statement where you acknowledge an opposing viewpoint before presenting your own. It can be used in an essay to show critical thinking and a balanced consideration of different perspectives.

How does using a concession demonstrate critical thinking in an essay?

Using a concession demonstrates critical thinking by showing that you have considered multiple viewpoints on a topic. It indicates that you are not just stating your opinion but have thought about the issue from different angles.

What resources does Emma suggest for improving vocabulary and paraphrasing skills?

Emma suggests visiting the website www.engvid.com for resources, including videos on improving vocabulary, sentence structure, and making concessions.

Why is it beneficial to use different words with the same meaning in an essay?

Using different words with the same meaning, or synonyms, in an essay is beneficial because it helps to avoid repetition, demonstrates a rich vocabulary, and can make the writing more engaging and persuasive.

What is the potential downside of using a new word without understanding its exact meaning?

The potential downside of using a new word without understanding its exact meaning is that it can lead to miscommunication or make your writing sound strange, as the word might have a slightly different connotation than intended.