5 Core Methods to Avoid Repetition in IELTS Writing!

Repetition in IELTS Writing is a significant error that can halt progress in your exam score. How, then, can this issue be addressed effectively to attain the band score you're aiming for? Recognizing the worries of students and the importance of demonstrating to examiners a wide vocabulary, strong paraphrasing skills, and a rich arsenal of synonyms in English, this article presents seven strategies to eliminate repetition in your IELTS Writing. Don't wait any longer—why not consult this article immediately?

I. What is repetition in IELTS Writing?

Repetition in IELTS Writing refers to the act of using the same word multiple times within the same sentence or paragraph. This is a highly serious mistake in IELTS Writing. The reason is that if your writing frequently contains word repetition between sentences or paragraphs, the examiner will immediately evaluate you as someone with a poor vocabulary, lacking knowledge of synonyms, and not knowing how to paraphrase... which can result in significant point deductions and lower your band score. For example: He hired a grocer to go to the grocery store to get some groceries. After he returned from the grocery store, he prepared dinner using the groceries the grocer had brought from the grocery store. Refer to the article for more information:

• The ways of paraphrasing in IELTS Writing to achieve a band score of 6.5+
• The "deadly" mistakes in paraphrasing for IELTS Writing - even when using a dictionary

II. 5 methods to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing

1. Substitution

Let's learn about the first method to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing - Using substitutions. For example: I have a few books on Japanese food. You can lend one if you want. In the example, the word "book" has been substituted with "one" in the second part to avoid repetition. Some other examples:

• Do you think in the near future, human workforce will be replaced by the machines? I hope not → Not is the substitution for “human workforce will be replaced by machines”

2. Ellipsis

The second method to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing is using ellipsis. Ellipsis can be understood as omitting unnecessary words or phrases without changing the essence or meaning of the sentence. For example: There are three things that I remember the most from my childhood. The first is... The second is... → The phrase "things I remember the most from my childhood" has been omitted, leaving only "the first" and "the second." Some commonly used ellipsis techniques include: 

2.1. Subject ellipsis

Omitting the subject to form the sentence structure: Subject + Verb 1 + Verb 2... For example: I went through all the details and I look for something unusual → Omitted as: I went through all the details and look for something abnormal.

2.2. Verb ellipsis

For example: Lately I don't have time to go swimming. But I used to → "Used to" is omitted from the second part "go swimming."

2.3. Using modal verbs instead of the main verb

For example: Nowadays, parents don't forbid their little children to use smartphones or laptops to go online. But I think they should → "Should" is used as a shortcut for the phrase "they should forbid their little children to use smartphones or laptops to go online."

3. Using the pronouns "That"/"Those" to replace nouns

The next method to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing is using the pronouns "That""Those" to replace nouns. Let's take some examples: 

• The unemployment rate in HCM City this year is similar to that of 5 years ago → "That" is used to replace The unemployment rate
• The work productivity ratings of this team are far better than those of the other team → "Those" is used to replace "The work efficiency ratings."

4. Placing "Those" before "Who"

Let's consider an example in the fourth method to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing: Placing "Those" before "Who" with the same preposition: For those who make the reservation early, the better promotion will be given → "Those" is used to replace "The people" in the case where "The people" has been mentioned before.

5. Using "The Former" or "The Latter"

Using "The Former" or "The Latter" is the next core method to avoid repetition in IELTS Writing that Prep wants to share with you. "The former" means "the first one" or "the one before," while "The Latter" means "the latter" or "the one after." Here are specific examples:

• You will either be the conqueror, or being taken. I'd rather be the former → "The former" is used to replace the repetition of "the conqueror."
• Thinking between a disease crisis and an economic one, I would definitely choose the latter → "The latter" is used to replace the repetition of "an economic crisis."

In this article, Prep has pointed out a highly serious mistake that candidates often encounter during the IELTS Writing preparation process, which is word repetition. In addition to identifying the mistake, Prep has helped you avoid repetition in IELTS Writing through 7 highly effective core methods. Apply the shared knowledge regularly to achieve a high Writing band score, Preppies!