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Paraphrase or Copy? is a free printable Grade 4 English worksheet on telling a paraphrase from copied or changed words, aligned to Common Core standard W.4.8. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 16 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Paraphrase or Copy?

W.4.8

NameDate

Circle the right answer.

1.Source: "The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  • B.The first bicycles had engines.
  • C.The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet.
2.Source: "Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Land covers most of the Earth's surface.
  • B.Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans.
  • C.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
3.Source: "Camels store fat in their humps, not water." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Camels store fat in their humps, not water.
  • B.Camels store water in their humps.
  • C.A camel's hump holds fat rather than water.
4.Source: "Recycling one can saves enough energy to run a TV for hours." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  • B.Recycling one can saves enough energy to run a TV for hours.
  • C.Recycling cans uses up more energy than it saves.
5.Source: "A lighthouse warns ships away from dangerous rocks." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.A lighthouse warns ships away from dangerous rocks.
  • B.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.
  • C.Lighthouses guide ships onto the rocks.
6.Which is the best description of a paraphrase?
  • A.The source's words copied exactly
  • B.The source's meaning written in your own words
  • C.Your own opinion of the source
7.Source: "The castle was built on a hill so guards could see enemies coming." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.The castle was built in a valley to hide from enemies.
  • B.Builders put the castle on a hill to let guards spot attackers from far away.
  • C.The castle was built on a hill so guards could see enemies coming.
8.Source: "Penguins huddle together to keep warm in winter storms." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.
  • B.Penguins spread apart to stay cool in winter.
  • C.Penguins huddle together to keep warm in winter storms.

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 16 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 16. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  2. 2.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
  3. 3.A camel's hump holds fat rather than water.
  4. 4.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  5. 5.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.
  6. 6.The source's meaning written in your own words
  7. 7.Builders put the castle on a hill to let guards spot attackers from far away.
  8. 8.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to W.4.8 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.