Skip to content
LessonPrint

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

Next set

One paper per student

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425

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.Why should notes be in your own words rather than copied?
  • A.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  • B.So the notes are longer
  • C.Because copying is faster
2.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 existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
  • C.Sharks have been on Earth since before the dinosaurs.
3.Source: "Plants use sunlight to make their own food." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Plants use sunlight to make their own food.
  • B.Light from the sun lets plants produce food.
  • C.Plants get all their food from the soil.
4.Source: "Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  • B.Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around.
  • C.Owls cannot move their heads at all.
5.Source: "Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
  • B.Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans.
  • C.Land covers most of the Earth's surface.
6.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.
7.Source: "Penguins huddle together to keep warm in winter storms." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Penguins huddle together to keep warm in winter storms.
  • B.Penguins spread apart to stay cool in winter.
  • C.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.
8.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.The castle was built on a hill so guards could see enemies coming.
  • C.Builders put the castle on a hill to let guards spot attackers from far away.

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 21 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 21. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  2. 2.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
  3. 3.Light from the sun lets plants produce food.
  4. 4.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  5. 5.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
  6. 6.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  7. 7.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.
  8. 8.Builders put the castle on a hill to let guards spot attackers from far away.

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