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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 17 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: "Recycling one can saves enough energy to run a TV for hours." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Recycling one can saves enough energy to run a TV for hours.
  • B.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  • C.Recycling cans uses up more energy than it saves.
2.Why should notes be in your own words rather than copied?
  • A.So the notes are longer
  • B.Because copying is faster
  • C.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
3.Source: "Sharks have been on Earth since before the dinosaurs." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Sharks appeared after the dinosaurs died out.
  • B.Sharks have been on Earth since before the dinosaurs.
  • C.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
4.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
5.Source: "The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet.
  • B.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  • C.The first bicycles had engines.
6.Source: "Frogs lay their eggs in water, and tadpoles hatch from them." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Frogs lay their eggs on dry land.
  • B.Frogs lay their eggs in water, and tadpoles hatch from them.
  • C.Tadpoles come out of eggs that frogs leave in water.
7.Source: "Plants use sunlight to make their own food." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Plants get all their food from the soil.
  • B.Light from the sun lets plants produce food.
  • C.Plants use sunlight to make their own food.
8.Source: "A lighthouse warns ships away from dangerous rocks." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Lighthouses guide ships onto the rocks.
  • B.A lighthouse warns ships away from dangerous rocks.
  • C.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 17 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 17. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  2. 2.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  3. 3.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
  4. 4.The source's meaning written in your own words
  5. 5.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  6. 6.Tadpoles come out of eggs that frogs leave in water.
  7. 7.Light from the sun lets plants produce food.
  8. 8.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.

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