Effective paraphrasing is REQUIRED in order to get Band 7-9 in Vocabulary, while Band 6 can be achieved with just generally successful paraphrasing (Sometimes correct, sometimes not).
3 Mistakes Band 6 students make:
1) Incorrect or Unnatural Synonym Choice
Band 6 candidates try to avoid repeating the examiner’s words, but sometimes end up choosing inappropriate vocabulary, whereas Band 7 speakers show flexibility and naturalness. They rephrase ideas, not just words.
👉 So, try to answer naturally instead of forcing unnatural synonyms.
2) Echoing Questions
Sometimes Band 6 candidates are so focused on answering the question that they repeat exactly what they examiner said, while Band 7 students can flexibly and naturally respond.
👉 So, instead, try respond with natural reactions (E.g. For sure! Definitely! Not really! Absolutely! I do indeed!) and then proceed to answer naturally!
3) Clumsy or Missing Pronoun Reference 🔄
Band 6 candidates often misuse or avoid pronouns when paraphrasing. They might confuse this with it, say these instead of this, or repeat the whole noun again instead of referencing smoothly. Band 7 speakers, however, use pronouns naturally to link ideas and avoid repetition.
1) Forgetting/ Missing Pronouns
2) Repeating the Noun & not using the pronoun
3) Mixing up “This” and “It”
👉 So, use pronouns naturally to keep your speech smooth and connected.
Bonus tip!
Master relative clauses to naturally connect points.
My teacher gave me advice. It was very useful.
My teacher gave me advice THAT was very useful.
