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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 24 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: "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.
2.Source: "Sharks have been on Earth since before the dinosaurs." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Sharks have been on Earth since before the dinosaurs.
  • B.Sharks appeared after the dinosaurs died out.
  • C.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
3.Source: "Camels store fat in their humps, not water." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Camels store water in their humps.
  • B.Camels store fat in their humps, not water.
  • C.A camel's hump holds fat rather than water.
4.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
5.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.
6.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 cannot move their heads at all.
  • C.Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around.
7.Which is the best description of a paraphrase?
  • A.Your own opinion of the source
  • B.The source's words copied exactly
  • C.The source's meaning written in your own words
8.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.

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 24 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 24. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.
  2. 2.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.
  3. 3.A camel's hump holds fat rather than water.
  4. 4.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  5. 5.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  6. 6.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  7. 7.The source's meaning written in your own words
  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.