IELTS Reading: Paraphrase & Synonym Drill

1The scheme was abandoned because it proved far more expensive than anticipated.

Which option means the same?

The plan was expensive, so more money was raised to keep it going.The plan was dropped because its costs turned out to be much higher than expected.The plan was completed even though it cost less than expected.

2Researchers remain divided over what caused the decline.

Which option means the same?

Scientists have finally agreed on the cause of the decline.Researchers found that pollution caused the decline.Scientists still disagree about the reason for the fall.

3The technology was adopted rapidly across the industry.

Which option means the same?

Firms throughout the sector took up the technology quickly.The technology spread slowly among only a few companies.Most of the industry rejected the new technology.

4Few of the original buildings have survived to the present day.

Which option means the same?

All of the original buildings are still standing today.The original buildings were recently rebuilt.Most of the early buildings no longer exist.

5The results were consistent with the team’s earlier findings.

Which option means the same?

The results contradicted the team’s previous work.The findings matched what the team had found before.The team repeated the experiment many times.

6Critics argue that the policy has done little to reduce inequality.

Which option means the same?

Opponents claim the policy has had almost no effect on inequality.Supporters say the policy has greatly reduced inequality.The policy has completely removed inequality.

7Demand for the product soared once prices were cut.

Which option means the same?

Demand dropped after the prices were reduced.Prices rose because the product was popular.When prices fell, far more people wanted the product.

8The report highlights the urgent need for reform.

Which option means the same?

The report suggests reform can safely be delayed.The report stresses that reform is badly needed.The report was written by government officials.

9Only a minority of participants completed the full course.

Which option means the same?

Most participants did not finish the whole course.Nearly everyone finished the entire course.The course was made shorter for most participants.

10The findings challenge a long-held assumption about memory.

Which option means the same?

The results confirm a traditional view of how memory works.The study looked mainly at the memory of children.The results cast doubt on a belief about memory that people had held for a long time.

Paraphrase & Synonym Match

What makes a good paraphrase