Teaching ESL Students to Paraphrase for Stronger Communication

🎯 Introduction

Paraphrasing is a powerful skill that helps ESL students express ideas in their own words. It reduces dependence on memorized sentences and helps learners communicate naturally. especially when they forget vocabulary or face unfamiliar topics. This post explains how TEFL teachers can teach paraphrasing in a simple, structured way.

📄 Why It Matters / Why It Works

Paraphrasing encourages flexible thinking and boosts fluency. Instead of freezing when they don’t know a word, students learn to “work around” it. This skill:

• Improves speaking confidence

• Strengthens reading comprehension

• Enhances writing clarity

• Encourages independent communicationIt is essential for real-world English use.

  
  

📚 Practical Teaching Strategies

1️⃣ “Say It Another Way” Warm-Up (Simple Substitution)

Give students a sentence like:

• “I’m very hungry.”Students rephrase it:

• “I really want to eat.”

• “I need some food.”

• Focus: Vocabulary flexibility.

  
  

2️⃣ “Paraphrase Boxes” (Structured Support)

Create a box with prompts:

• Replace a key adjective

• Change the sentence structure

• Use synonyms

• Add contextStudents choose two strategies from the box each time.

  
  

3️⃣ “Explain Like I’m 10” Technique (Clarity First)

Students paraphrase a complex idea in simpler language.

• Example: “Photosynthesis is when plants make food using sunlight.”

• Focus: Clarity over perfection.

  
  

4️⃣ “Partner Paraphrasing Relay” (Interactive Speaking)

Student A reads a sentence. Student B paraphrases it. Student A checks for meaning accuracy.

• Outcome: Instant feedback, active communication.

  
  

💡 Pro Tip

Avoid teaching paraphrasing as “use bigger words.” Instead, emphasize same meaning, different wording — accuracy comes first.

📌 Final Thought

Paraphrasing helps ESL learners communicate naturally in real-life situations. GoTEFL equips teachers with practical communication strategies, while TEIK connects you with Korean classrooms where students benefit from flexible English expression.