GP Paper 2 Summary & Paraphrase Bank

GP summary phrases are useful only when they preserve the passage meaning while making it more concise. Paper 2 summary is not a thesaurus competition. The student has to identify the required points, remove repetition, paraphrase where possible, preserve logical relationships and control word count. A shorter sentence that changes causation, degree or scope is not a successful summary.

Students searching for GP summary phrases, General Paper summary vocabulary, GP paraphrase bank, own words phrases or Paper 2 summary techniques often make one of two mistakes. Some copy too much because they fear changing meaning. Others replace every word with a synonym and accidentally distort the passage. The safer process is proposition-first: identify the essential idea, then rebuild it in a compact structure with controlled vocabulary.

Under the current H1 General Paper syllabus 8881, Paper 2 includes a summary based on Passage 2; the 2027 scheme allocates 8 marks to summary, and language marks are assessed across the summary and application responses. Candidates are also expected to comprehend, infer, analyse, evaluate and synthesise across the paper. See the SEAB 2027 A-Level syllabus listings. This bank is designed for that meaning-preservation work.

Quick Read

Summary = select essential points + compress + preserve meaning.
Paraphrase propositions, not isolated words.
Keep degree, causation, condition and agency accurate.
Use word-family and structural changes when synonyms are risky.
Count ideas before counting words.

120 GP paraphrase routes

1. causes → leads to; results in; brings about; produces

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of causes in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

2. contributes to → helps cause; is one factor behind; adds to

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of contributes to in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

3. prevents → stops; blocks; makes impossible

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of prevents in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

4. reduces → decreases; lowers; makes less

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of reduces in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

5. increases → raises; expands; makes greater

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of increases in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

6. allows → enables; permits; makes possible

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of allows in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

7. requires → needs; depends on; calls for

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of requires in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

8. helps → assists; supports; facilitates

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of helps in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

9. harms → damages; negatively affects; undermines

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of harms in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

10. improves → enhances; strengthens; makes better

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of improves in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

11. because → since; as; due to; owing to

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of because in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

12. therefore → thus; consequently; as a result

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of therefore in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

13. although → while; even though; despite the fact that

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of although in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

14. however → yet; nevertheless; by contrast

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of however in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

15. if → provided that; when; on condition that

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of if in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

16. unless → if not; except when

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of unless in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

17. before → prior to; earlier than

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of before in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

18. after → following; once

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of after in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

19. while → during; whereas

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of while in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

20. despite → in spite of; notwithstanding

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of despite in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

21. many → numerous; a large number of

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of many in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

22. few → a small number of; limited

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of few in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

23. most → the majority of; the greater part of

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of most in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

24. some → a proportion of; certain

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of some in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

25. all → every; the whole

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of all in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

26. often → frequently; regularly

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of often in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

27. sometimes → occasionally; in some cases

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of sometimes in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

28. rarely → seldom; infrequently

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of rarely in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

29. always → consistently; in every case

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of always in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

30. usually → generally; in most cases

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of usually in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

31. important → significant; crucial; central

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of important in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

32. small → minor; limited; slight

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of small in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

33. large → substantial; considerable; extensive

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of large in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

34. clear → evident; apparent; explicit

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of clear in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

35. unclear → ambiguous; vague; uncertain

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of unclear in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

36. possible → feasible; plausible; capable of occurring

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of possible in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

37. likely → probable; expected; liable to

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of likely in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

38. unlikely → improbable; not expected

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of unlikely in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

39. good → beneficial; favourable; effective

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of good in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

40. bad → harmful; adverse; detrimental

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of bad in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

41. people → individuals; members of the public; users

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of people in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

42. government → public authorities; the state; public institutions

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of government in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

43. companies → firms; businesses; corporations

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of companies in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

44. workers → employees; labour force; staff

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of workers in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

45. young people → youths; younger people; adolescents where appropriate

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of young people in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

46. old people → older people; the elderly where context permits

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of old people in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

47. countries → states; nations; societies

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of countries in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

48. groups → communities; categories; sections

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of groups in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

49. experts → specialists; professionals; researchers

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of experts in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

50. customers → consumers; clients; users

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of customers in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

51. says → states; argues; claims; observes

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of says in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

52. shows → demonstrates; indicates; reveals

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of shows in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

53. thinks → believes; considers; holds the view

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of thinks in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

54. supports → backs; reinforces; provides evidence for

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of supports in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

55. criticises → challenges; questions; objects to

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of criticises in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

56. explains → accounts for; clarifies; sets out

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of explains in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

57. suggests → indicates; proposes; implies where appropriate

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of suggests in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

58. proves → establishes; demonstrates conclusively

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of proves in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

59. describes → outlines; depicts; characterises

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of describes in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

60. compares → contrasts; sets alongside; examines similarities and differences

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of compares in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

61. problem → issue; difficulty; challenge

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of problem in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

62. solution → response; remedy; measure; approach

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of solution in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

63. reason → cause; factor; explanation

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of reason in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

64. result → outcome; consequence; effect

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of result in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

65. idea → concept; view; proposal

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of idea in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

66. change → shift; alteration; transformation

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of change in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

67. advantage → benefit; strength; positive effect

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of advantage in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

68. disadvantage → drawback; cost; limitation

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of disadvantage in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

69. difference → distinction; gap; contrast

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of difference in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

70. similarity → parallel; resemblance; common feature

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of similarity in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

71. very quickly → rapidly; at a fast pace

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of very quickly in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

72. very slowly → gradually; over an extended period

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of very slowly in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

73. at the same time → simultaneously; concurrently

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of at the same time in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

74. for a long time → over an extended period; for many years

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of for a long time in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

75. in the future → in coming years; over the longer term

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of in the future in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

76. now → currently; at present

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of now in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

77. in the past → previously; historically

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of in the past in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

78. again → once more; repeatedly where appropriate

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of again in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

79. immediately → at once; without delay

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of immediately in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

80. eventually → ultimately; after some time

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of eventually in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

81. uses → employs; applies; relies on

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of uses in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

82. gets → obtains; receives; acquires

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of gets in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

83. gives → provides; offers; supplies

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of gives in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

84. makes → creates; produces; causes depending on context

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of makes in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

85. keeps → maintains; retains; preserves

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of keeps in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

86. removes → eliminates; excludes; takes away

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of removes in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

87. joins → combines; links; connects

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of joins in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

88. separates → divides; distinguishes; isolates

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of separates in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

89. starts → begins; initiates; launches

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of starts in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

90. stops → ends; ceases; halts

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of stops in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

91. wants → seeks; aims; desires

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of wants in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

92. needs → requires; depends on

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of needs in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

93. tries → attempts; seeks; endeavours

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of tries in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

94. chooses → selects; opts for

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of chooses in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

95. changes mind → reconsiders; revises a view

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of changes mind in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

96. agrees → accepts; concurs with

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of agrees in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

97. disagrees → rejects; challenges; disputes

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of disagrees in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

98. is afraid → fears; is concerned about

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of is afraid in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

99. cares about → values; prioritises; is concerned with

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of cares about in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

100. does not care → is indifferent to; gives little priority to

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of does not care in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

101. more expensive → costlier; higher-priced

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of more expensive in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

102. cheaper → less expensive; lower-cost

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of cheaper in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

103. more efficient → uses fewer resources for the same output

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of more efficient in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

104. less effective → achieves weaker results

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of less effective in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

105. more fair → more equitable; more impartial

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of more fair in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

106. unfair → inequitable; biased; unjust where appropriate

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of unfair in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

107. safe → secure; protected; low-risk

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of safe in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

108. dangerous → hazardous; risky; unsafe

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of dangerous in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

109. free → without charge; unrestricted depending on context

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of free in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

110. available → accessible; obtainable; provided

Treat this as a meaning family, not an automatic replacement. Identify the sense of available in the passage, then choose a paraphrase with the same degree, grammar and causal force. If no listed alternative preserves the proposition exactly, change sentence structure instead of forcing a synonym.

The proposition-first method

Before paraphrasing, reduce the source sentence to its proposition: who/what → action or relationship → object → cause/condition → consequence → degree. This skeleton protects meaning while wording changes. A student can then vary syntax without losing the logic.

Example source: “Because cheap digital tools allow more people to publish, traditional gatekeepers have less control over what audiences encounter.” Proposition: lower publishing cost → more publishers → weaker gatekeeper control over audience exposure. A good summary can compress this chain while preserving cause and direction.

Six safe paraphrase moves

1. Near-synonym

Replace a word only when the context-specific sense matches. “Reduce” may become “decrease”; “prevent” cannot automatically become “reduce”.

2. Word-class change

Turn a verb into a noun or adjective where grammar remains natural: “regulates markets” → “market regulation”.

3. Clause compression

Compress cause, condition or result using participles, noun phrases or concise connectors without deleting the relationship.

4. Generalisation

Replace several examples with an accurate category only when the category preserves the point required by the question.

5. Remove repetition

If two source sentences repeat the same reason in different words, the summary may need only one formulation.

6. Combine compatible points

Merge points when they share a subject or causal structure, but do not merge distinct ideas into one vague sentence.

The Fencing Method: paraphrase distinctions

cause / contribute to

Cause states a stronger relationship; contribute to means one factor among others. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

prevent / reduce

Prevent stops an outcome; reduce makes it less likely or less severe. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

all / many

All is universal; many is substantial but not complete. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

may / will

May indicates possibility; will is a stronger prediction. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

usually / always

Usually allows exceptions; always does not. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

effective / efficient

Effective achieves the result; efficient uses resources well. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

criticise / reject

Criticism identifies problems; rejection refuses or denies the position more fully. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

suggest / prove

Suggest provides support; prove claims conclusive establishment. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

available / accessible

Available exists for use; accessible can additionally imply practical ability to reach or use it. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

cheap / affordable

Cheap has a low price; affordable means the relevant user can reasonably pay it. In summary, changing from the weaker to the stronger term can cost accuracy even when the sentence sounds fluent.

How to select summary points

Selection comes before paraphrase. Read the summary question and identify the exact categories requested. Mark only content that answers those categories. Background, examples, rhetorical flourish and repeated explanation may be unnecessary unless they carry a distinct point.

Students often waste time paraphrasing a sentence that should not be included. Before rewriting, ask: is this a separate answer point, evidence supporting another point, or merely an illustration? Summary rewards selection as much as rewording.

How to compress without becoming vague

Compression should remove redundancy, not relationships. “The scheme was expensive to administer and required many additional staff” can be compressed to “The scheme imposed high administrative and staffing costs.” The two costs remain visible.

By contrast, reducing that sentence to “The scheme had problems” is too vague. Concision is not the same as generality.

How to preserve agency

Who performs an action can matter. “Platforms removed the content after public criticism” differs from “The content disappeared after public criticism”. The second loses agency. Passive voice is useful only when the agent is genuinely irrelevant or already clear.

Check pronouns and collective nouns as well. Replacing “some employees” with “workers” may accidentally universalise a claim.

How to preserve evaluation and tone

Passages may use cautious, critical, approving or ironic language. A summary usually focuses on propositional content, but the degree of a claim still matters. “The policy might help” cannot become “the policy works”. “The author questions whether” cannot become “the author rejects”.

Use calibrated verbs: suggests, argues, warns, questions, acknowledges, concedes, predicts, criticises. These verbs compress attitude when the question requires it.

A 10-week Paper 2 summary plan

Week 1: point selection

Practise point selection on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 2: cause and effect paraphrase

Practise cause and effect paraphrase on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 3: degree words

Practise degree words on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 4: word-class transformation

Practise word-class transformation on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 5: clause compression

Practise clause compression on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 6: combining points

Practise combining points on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 7: agency and pronouns

Practise agency and pronouns on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 8: attitude verbs

Practise attitude verbs on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 9: timed word-count control

Practise timed word-count control on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

Week 10: full summary plus AQ transfer

Practise full summary plus AQ transfer on short paragraphs before full passages. Keep a meaning-drift log: record every paraphrase that became stronger, weaker, broader or narrower than the source.

30 summary drills

Drill 1

Choose five paraphrase routes from this page. Write a 70-word source paragraph containing cause, degree and one example. Reduce it to 35–40 words while preserving all essential points. Compare each proposition and mark any change in agency, certainty, quantity or causation.

Drill 2

Drill 3

Drill 4

Drill 5

Drill 6

Drill 7

Drill 8

Drill 9

Drill 10

Drill 11

Drill 12

Drill 13

Drill 14

Drill 15

Drill 16

Drill 17

Drill 18

Drill 19

Drill 20

Drill 21

Drill 22

Drill 23

Drill 24

Drill 25

Drill 26

Drill 27

Drill 28

Drill 29

Drill 30

Frequently asked questions

Must every word be paraphrased?

No. Preserve technical or unavoidable terms when replacement would reduce accuracy. Focus on independent expression overall.

Can I use synonyms from a memorised bank?

Only after checking the context-specific meaning and degree.

How do I reduce word count safely?

Remove examples and repetition first, then compress syntax while preserving distinct points.

Is passive voice useful?

Sometimes, but check whether losing the agent changes the meaning.

What is the biggest paraphrase risk?

Meaning drift through stronger certainty, changed causation, broader scope or lost conditions.

How should I practise summary?

Start with sentence and paragraph compression, then move to timed full-passage work.

Does vocabulary matter for summary?

Yes, but controlled vocabulary matters more than sophisticated vocabulary.

What shows mastery?

The student can select, compress and paraphrase under time pressure while preserving the passage’s propositions.

Final principle

GP summary rewards disciplined reduction. Understand first, select second, paraphrase third, compress fourth, check meaning last. A concise sentence is only better if it still says what the passage said—no more, no less.

Continue with the GP Application Question Vocabulary, the General Paper Vocabulary List and the Singapore Vocabulary Guide.

eduKate SG

GP Paper 2 Summary and Paraphrase Bank