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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 8 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 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.
2.Source: "Bees turn nectar into honey inside the hive." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Bees turn nectar into honey inside the hive.
  • B.Bees turn honey into nectar outside the hive.
  • C.Inside their hive, bees make honey from nectar.
3.Source: "The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.The first bicycles had engines.
  • B.The first bicycles had no pedals; riders pushed with their feet.
  • C.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
4.Source: "Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans." Which note is a paraphrase?
  • A.Most of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans.
  • B.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
  • C.Land covers most of the Earth's surface.
5.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.Owls cannot move their heads at all.
  • C.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
6.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.Because copying is faster
  • C.So the notes are longer
7.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 guide ships onto the rocks.
  • C.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.
8.Which is the best description of a paraphrase?
  • A.The source's meaning written in your own words
  • B.The source's words copied exactly
  • C.Your own opinion of the source

LessonPrint · W.4.8 · Set 8 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Paraphrase or Copy?

Set 8. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Builders put the castle on a hill to let guards spot attackers from far away.
  2. 2.Inside their hive, bees make honey from nectar.
  3. 3.Early bikes were moved by riders pushing on the ground.
  4. 4.Oceans cover more of the planet than land does.
  5. 5.An owl is able to twist its head nearly in a full circle.
  6. 6.So that you understand the idea and do not pass off the writer's words as yours
  7. 7.Lighthouses help ships keep clear of rocks.
  8. 8.The source's meaning written in your own words

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