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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 25 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.The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet.
  • B.The first bicycles had engines.
  • C.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Source: "Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Owls can turn their heads almost all the way around.
  • B.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  • C.Owls cannot move their heads at all.
5.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.Tadpoles come out of eggs that frogs leave in water.
  • C.Frogs lay their eggs in water, and tadpoles hatch from them.
6.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.
7.Why should notes be in your own words rather than copied?
  • A.So the notes are longer
  • B.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  • C.Because copying is faster
8.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.

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 25. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  2. 2.In winter storms, penguins crowd close for warmth.
  3. 3.The energy saved by recycling a can could power a TV for hours.
  4. 4.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  5. 5.Tadpoles come out of eggs that frogs leave in water.
  6. 6.Light from the sun lets plants produce food.
  7. 7.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  8. 8.Sharks existed even earlier than dinosaurs.

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